Nationale vlag voor de Bataafse Marine, 1796 1797

This is Johan Christoffel Schultsz's "Nationale vlag voor de Bataafse Marine," made in 1796. On the flag’s panel we see the Dutch Maiden, a symbol of the Netherlands, accompanied by a lion, who together embody the strength and virtue of the nation. The figure of a maiden as a national personification is a motif we see echoed throughout history. Consider the ancient Greek goddess Athena, or the Roman goddess Roma, each embodying the spirit of their respective civilizations. The lion is a regal image, historically representing courage, pride, and power. We may recall the Lion Gate of Mycenae, dating back to the 13th century BC, or even the heraldic lions adorning medieval European coats of arms. The appearance of the Dutch Maiden and the lion side-by-side evokes a profound sense of collective identity, of rootedness and belonging. This cultural memory evokes a subconscious response, reinforcing the powerful emotions tied to the idea of homeland. It highlights the ongoing narrative of symbols, and how they adapt and resurface across centuries.