Portret van Dirk II, graaf van Holland 1620

Adriaen Matham created this print of Dirk II, Count of Holland. Note the symbolic weight of the lion emblazoned on his shield. This fierce beast, a primal emblem of courage and royalty, can be traced back through countless iterations, roaring across heraldry from ancient Mesopotamia to the medieval courts of Europe. The lion becomes a vessel for transferring power and authority. Consider too, the open hand gesture. This powerful and complex gesture, used in ancient Roman art as a symbol of authority and justice, reappears in various forms throughout history as a sign of peace and reconciliation. The symbols in the image take on new layers of meaning, reflecting both the collective anxieties and aspirations of their time. They are a testament to our shared human experience, each telling a story of cultural continuity.