Wapenschild van de familie Overlander 1660 - 1672

Editor: This is "Wapenschild van de familie Overlander", a watercolor drawing made sometime between 1660 and 1672 by Pieter Jansz. It’s so detailed and precise for a watercolor. It makes me think about old stories and powerful families. What stands out to you? Curator: Oh, the Overlanders! They were quite a family. What I love is how these armorial bearings act as little biographies. The symbols chosen weren’t random; they spoke to the family's history, aspirations, and even their sense of humor. Can you pick out any symbols that seem particularly telling? Editor: Well, there are hunting horns, what looks like bird wings, and what I guess are ducks near a wavy line. Curator: Precisely! The horns could symbolize their role as hunters or landowners, perhaps even signaling some ancestral connection to the land. The wings often represented freedom or aspiration. And the ducks—maybe a nod to the waterways and wetlands prominent in the region, indicating prosperity and a life near water. But what about the figure atop the shield, our armor-clad friend? Editor: He looks... ready for anything? Regal, maybe? Like he’s overseeing everything below. Curator: Exactly! He’s the family’s protector and shows courage, a constant guardian looking out for the family's legacy. These coats of arms weren't just decoration; they were a family's visual manifesto. What do you make of the colours chosen here? Editor: I never thought a family crest could be so much more than just a design. It’s a glimpse into their world. And the drawing itself becomes a storybook page. Curator: It really does, doesn't it? Next time you encounter a coat of arms, remember, it's a whisper from the past. Now you know their secret language, happy decoding!