Vignet met het wapen van de stad Haarlem 17th century

This anonymous vignette presents the coat of arms of the city of Haarlem. Rendered in stark black ink, the composition is symmetrically arranged within a rectangular frame. The texture, achieved through dense cross-hatching, enhances the heraldic symbolism. At the center, a shield displays a sword, cross, and stars, emblems of civic identity. Flanking it are two lions, their stance and meticulously detailed manes creating a sense of power. Above, a stylized tree spreads its branches, adding to the symbolic density. The motto, "Vicit vim virtus" meaning "Virtue conquers force," is inscribed below, completing the representation of civic pride and valor. The choice of engraving, with its sharp lines and clear contrasts, suggests a context where precision and clarity were valued. The vignette's design evokes a sense of established order and enduring values. The way the artist used symmetry and structured space reinforces a message about strength and stability as pillars of communal identity.