Verheffing van prins Maurits tot ridder van de Kouseband ? 1613

This silver pendant, whose creation is attributed to Simon van de Passe, presents an oval form dominated by heraldic imagery. The composition directs our gaze towards the intricate arrangement of shields and crests, enclosed by the motto of the Order of the Garter. The detailed craftsmanship reflects a symbolic language of power and nobility. The symmetrical layout and the use of Latin script function as signifiers of authority, meticulously designed to convey the status of Prince Maurits. The twisted border adds a layer of texture, framing the central design and reinforcing the emblem's importance. Analyzing its structure, we observe how the artist uses semiotic elements to build a narrative of prestige. The pendant serves not only as a piece of adornment but as a political statement, encapsulating the socio-cultural values of its time. The very act of its creation and display challenges fixed ideas about identity, engaging with new ways of thinking about power and representation. Consider how the formal qualities of the pendant elevate its function, turning a piece of metal into a discourse on the nature of leadership. It reminds us that art is always a site of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.