Optocht door de rederijkerskamer Het Galisbloemken uit Haastrecht (eerste deel), 1607 1607

This etching, created by an anonymous artist in 1607, captures a procession by the Rhetoric chamber ‘The Gillyflower’ from Haastrecht. The drum and the flag are dominant symbols of civic pride and identity in this parade. Consider the flag, an emblem of collective identity, reminiscent of ancient Roman standards. It is a visual shorthand for unity, purpose, and belonging. The act of carrying a flag is found in various contexts. It is a symbol of cultural memory passed down through generations, carrying echoes of historical battles and triumphs. A simple gesture like holding a flag becomes a potent symbol, engaging us on a subconscious level. The parade is not linear; the flag and drum reappear, evolving, carrying new meanings through time, symbols of continuity.