Kaart van de Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden c. 1696

Justus Danckerts' map presents the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, brimming with symbols of power and identity. Note the figure of Belgica, a classical personification of the Netherlands, trident in hand. She echoes Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas, a symbol of dominion over water and trade. This motif hearkens back to ancient Roman representations of provinces as female figures, each embodying the spirit and resources of their land. Over time, this symbolic association of land with a maternal, nurturing figure has evolved, recurring in various forms from national allegories to environmental movements. The psychological resonance of Belgica lies in her evocation of safety, provision, and patriotic pride. These symbols, deeply embedded in our collective memory, powerfully engage viewers, fostering a sense of belonging and shared destiny. As symbols evolve through history, they resurface and are imbued with new meanings, showing the cyclical and eternal progression of cultural memory.