Wapen van Östergotland 1696

This is an engraving titled 'Wapen van Östergötland', or Coat of Arms of Östergötland, by an anonymous artist. The work depicts a heraldic crest, a symbolic representation of the Swedish province of Östergötland. Heraldry has been used for centuries as a marker of identity and status, particularly among the nobility and ruling classes. Here, the imagery blends heraldic tradition with local identity. The griffin, a hybrid creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, is central. This composite being embodies both strength and intelligence, qualities that those in power often wish to associate with themselves. The coat of arms visually communicates power and heritage, embedding Östergötland within a broader European framework of aristocracy and regional identity. How do these symbols uphold a particular social order? And how do they shape the collective memory of a place?