Onderaan bevindt zich een fries met in het midden een gevleugeld zeewezen in een ovaal c. 1525 - 1594

This is Hans Sibmacher’s print, “Onderaan bevindt zich een fries met in het midden een gevleugeld zeewezen in een ovaal,” made around the turn of the 17th century. During this period, the concept of identity was closely tied to social status and religious affiliation, and the artist has been influenced by the artistic conventions of the Renaissance. This print is more than just a decorative design; it mirrors the social and cultural values of its time. Architectural ornament was not merely about aesthetics, it was about conveying power and wealth through classical motifs and elaborate designs. The winged sea creature at the bottom isn't just whimsical, it's a symbol that would have been understood within a specific cultural context, possibly representing maritime power or trade. Sibmacher’s print invites us to consider how the concept of identity was shaped by social expectations and cultural symbols. It reflects both the aspirations and the limitations of the artist’s world.