Vaandeldragers en geleerden, plaat 4 Possibly 1530 - 1620

This print by Nicolaas Hogenberg depicts standard-bearers and scholars. The dominant symbols here are the flags, which are called 'Vexilla' in Latin, emblems of authority and allegiance, a tradition rooted in ancient Roman military standards. Consider the persistence of such symbols. Flags, banners, they transcend mere cloth and wood. They evoke a sense of unity and purpose, reappearing throughout history from medieval guilds to modern nation-states. In the Renaissance, the revival of classical antiquity saw these symbols imbued with renewed power. The Vexillum, originally a Roman military standard, was itself a symbol of power, adapted and transformed across time. Its reappearance here speaks to a deep, collective memory of authority and order, a subconscious desire for structure and belonging. These symbols stir powerful emotions, engaging viewers with a primal connection to communal identity and historical continuity. Ultimately, the flags' presence highlights the cyclical nature of symbols, their capacity to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.