Wapen van Willem Cornelisz. van Duyvenbode, 1578 1736 - 1761

This engraving by Johannes van der Spyck depicts the coat of arms of Willem Cornelisz. van Duyvenbode and was made around 1750. However, the coat of arms commemorates an event of the year 1578. Coats of arms were a significant part of identity in the late medieval and early modern world, particularly for those of noble lineage. They were visual representations of a family's history, status, and values, acting almost as a personal brand. This particular coat of arms references Willem Cornelisz. van Duyvenbode, a prominent figure during the Siege of Leiden in 1574, a crucial event in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. By commissioning this engraving, van Duyvenbode was actively participating in shaping and preserving his family's legacy. It served not only as a marker of identity, but also as a testament to their contribution to the historical narrative of the Netherlands. The emotional weight of such symbols lies in their ability to connect individuals to a larger collective story of nationhood, struggle, and triumph.