Zegels en munten van de stad Delft 1680 - 1729

This print, made by Coenraet Decker in the Dutch Republic, displays the seals and coinage of Delft. These emblems were not just about currency; they were powerful symbols of civic identity and authority. Consider the imagery: towers, lions, and inscriptions in Latin. These visual codes spoke to Delft's history, its trade, and its place within a broader European context. The Dutch Republic, in the 17th century, was a hotbed of mercantile activity and burgeoning civic pride. Decker’s choice to represent these symbols together highlights how Delft saw itself as a powerful and independent city at this time. To truly understand this print, we might turn to archives, guild records, and numismatic collections. These resources could illuminate the economic and political dynamics that shaped Delft, and how this artwork played a part in the city's self-representation. Art like this is a window into the social fabric of its time.