Decoraties 100-105 te Den Haag, 1747 1751

These ‘Decoraties 100-105 te Den Haag’, from 1747, are anonymous engravings, rich with symbols reflecting the political and cultural aspirations of their time. The lion, a recurring symbol, stands defiant, bearing a sword and crowned with foliage. It is a clear evocation of power, strength, and protection of one's nation, resonating with ancient heraldic traditions across Europe. We find echoes of this lion in medieval bestiaries and royal emblems, embodying vigilance and courage. Consider the image of a figure seated on a rainbow, bearing flowers; this blends classical allegory with a sense of hope and promise, like Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The rainbow itself symbolizes a bridge between the earthly and divine, a connection frequently employed in religious and mythological art. It is an emotional response that taps into our collective yearning for harmony. These symbols demonstrate a continuity of cultural memory, resurfacing and evolving, revealing our shared history and collective psyche.