Titelprent voor een reeks graven en gravinnen van Holland, Zeeland en West-Friesland 1650

Cornelis Visscher created this print, using etching and engraving techniques, as the title page for a series of counts and countesses of Holland, Zeeland and West Friesland. Made around 1650 in the Netherlands, this image presents a symbolic summary of Dutch history and identity. The allegorical figure of the Dutch Maiden is at the center, crowned by a cherub and backed by the Dutch lion. She embodies the virtues and aspirations of the Dutch Republic, newly independent from Spanish rule. Surrounding her are emblems of maritime power and prosperity, referencing the country's economic strength and global reach. On the lower-left, the god of the sea, Neptune, symbolizes the Netherlands’s dominion over the oceans. Prints like this played a crucial role in shaping national consciousness. They circulated widely, reinforcing shared values and historical narratives. For historians, these prints are invaluable resources. By examining their visual language and cultural references, we can gain insights into the social and political landscape of the Dutch Golden Age.