Ontwerp voor een titelblad: Les Héros Vendéens 1825 - 1899

This is Alexander Schaepkens' design for a title page, sketched with pen in brown ink. Note the symbolic crown, presented by the angel. It sits atop the title, gesturing toward divine endorsement. The crown, a timeless motif, appears in various forms across history, symbolizing authority. Here, it invokes centuries of aristocratic power and legitimacy, reaching back to ancient traditions. Yet, observe how the crown has evolved; in medieval art, it often signified divine right, whereas, in later eras, it represents secular leadership, even popular sovereignty. Consider the discarded armor and weapons that complete the circle. These symbols of military might lie abandoned, alluding to past conflicts. The imagery evokes a potent mix of victory and loss. This juxtaposition taps into our collective memory, evoking a deep emotional response and engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history.