Twee wapenschilden met helm 1625

This is an engraving of two shields with helmets, made by an anonymous artist. The lack of a known artist invites us to consider the broader social context in which such heraldic imagery flourished. Heraldry, with its elaborate symbols and colors, was more than just decoration. It was a visual language of power, identity, and lineage. Coats of arms were like a public declaration of who you were, what you stood for, and where you came from. They reinforced social hierarchies and were a constant reminder of the privileges afforded to the aristocracy. Consider how these symbols, displayed on everything from buildings to personal belongings, shaped the way people perceived themselves and others. How did they contribute to a sense of belonging for some, and exclusion for others? This engraving invites us to reflect on the enduring power of symbols to shape our understanding of identity and status.