Gezicht op het Kurhaus in Scheveningen 1885

Arnoldus Cornelius Verhees captured the Kurhaus in Scheveningen, around 1885, using etching. The grandeur of the Kurhaus is striking, its arched windows and domed roof conveying a sense of opulence. Flags fly atop the structure, symbols of national pride and festivity. The presence of flags has ancient roots, evolving from simple military standards to emblems of power and identity. Think of the Roman legions with their eagles, or the medieval banners of European royalty. Here, the flags signal not just national identity but also the Kurhaus' status as a beacon of leisure and social gathering. Flags have a psychological power, engaging our emotions and sense of belonging, stirring collective memories and patriotic sentiments. As the meaning of the flag has changed over time, the core emotional and psychological resonance remains a potent force.