Gekroond wapenschild geflankeerd door griffioenen 1720

Bernard Picart made this etching of a crowned coat-of-arms flanked by griffins in 1720. It's a fascinating glimpse into the visual language of power and status in the Dutch Republic. The image is packed with coded references. Coats of arms were, of course, a visual shorthand for aristocratic lineage and entitlement. The crown speaks to sovereignty, while the griffins, mythical creatures combining the strength of a lion with the vigilance of an eagle, symbolize courage and protection. In a society still structured by inherited privilege, such emblems were powerful tools for asserting social position. Picart was a well-connected artist working for wealthy patrons. His prints circulated widely, reinforcing the visual culture of the elite. But the Dutch Republic was also a center of burgeoning capitalism and a place where traditional hierarchies were increasingly challenged. To fully understand the significance of this seemingly simple image, we need to delve into the social and institutional history of the period, researching family lineages, systems of patronage, and the changing dynamics of Dutch society.