Boogschutters van de Antwerpse schutterij 1865

Henri Leys created this etching of the Antwerp Civil Guard in the 19th century. Notice the prominent display of civic pride through symbols of status and unity. The men carry arrows, signifying their role in defending the city. The leader on the left wears a chain, a badge of honor. The shield with a depiction of the Roman myth of Romulus and Remus symbolizes the foundation of the city, drawing a parallel between Antwerp and the ancient world. Such imagery echoes in different contexts, even to our present time. Think of the fasces—bundles of rods and an axe—used in ancient Rome to symbolize power and authority. Like the arrows here, they later resurfaced in 20th-century fascist movements. These symbols evoke primal instincts for belonging and collective strength, engaging our subconscious desire for order and protection. Symbols, like life itself, follow a non-linear path, continuously resurfacing, adapting, and accumulating new layers of meaning across time.