Portret van Pieter Dircksz Hasselaer 1851 - 1853

This engraving portrays Pieter Dircksz Hasselaer, brought to life by Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben in the 19th century. Notice the double-headed eagle on the coat of arms below the portrait. A symbol deeply rooted in history, it evokes the power and authority of empires, echoing the Roman and Byzantine legacies. This motif, adopted by many cultures over centuries, reappears in various forms, from royal banners to modern national emblems. The eagle’s symbolism is not static; it evolves, gathering new layers of meaning with each historical reemergence. It touches something deep within us, a collective memory perhaps, triggering feelings of strength and dominion. The recurrence of such symbols in art underscores our enduring fascination with power, status and the cyclical nature of history.