Eresabel van Musquetier met opschrift: wegens de Actie van Doggersbank, met schede c. 1781

This is an image of a sword and scabbard by Abraham Scheurleer. The metallic sheen of the sword contrasts sharply with the matte texture of the scabbard, creating a compelling visual dichotomy. Scheurleer's choice of materials emphasizes the sword's dual existence as both a functional weapon and a symbolic object of power. The curved blade, with its worn texture, implies a history of use, while the ornate hilt evokes a sense of ceremony and status. This interplay between utility and symbolism invites us to question the values and categories associated with warfare and nobility. The semiotic system at play here reflects the cultural codes of the time, where swords were not merely tools but potent signifiers of social rank and military prowess. By presenting the sword alongside its scabbard, Scheurleer prompts us to consider the relationship between concealment and display, absence and presence, and the ways in which power operates both overtly and covertly.