Het wapen van Maurits met het insigne van de Orde van de Kousenband, 1613 1626 - 1628

This is Simon van de Passe’s "Het wapen van Maurits met het insigne van de Orde van de Kousenband," created in 1613. The engraving presents a meticulously detailed coat of arms, encircled by the insignia of the Order of the Garter. The composition invites us to explore the rigid, symmetrical elements alongside the softer, organic forms of the laurel wreath. The stark contrast between the heraldic symbols and the naturalistic wreath sets up a dynamic interplay. The geometric precision of the shield, divided into distinct quadrants, contrasts with the fluid lines of the surrounding foliage. This juxtaposition isn't merely decorative; it signifies a tension between established power structures and the natural world, each vying for dominance within the frame. Consider how the artist uses the formal constraints of heraldry to convey authority. The shield, a signifier of identity and lineage, is here mediated by the Order of the Garter, introducing a level of semiotic complexity. The image can be understood as a reflection on the symbols of power and the codes of chivalry.