Wapenschild van de gebroeders Simon en Otto, graven van Lippe 1628

Simon van de Passe created this coat of arms of the brothers Simon and Otto, Counts of Lippe, sometime in the first half of the 17th century. The shield's iconography is rich with symbols of power and nobility. The rose, a traditional symbol of love and beauty, also denotes secrecy and honor. The stars represent guidance and divine favor, while the birds often symbolize freedom. These symbols have ancestral roots, echoing in Roman emblems and medieval heraldry, and continue to reappear throughout history. Note the cherubs and sphinx-like figures. The appearance of hybrid creatures stems from a deep-seated human fascination with combining elements to transcend natural limitations. These images trigger an emotional and psychological response, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The non-linear progression of these symbols is cyclical. They resurface, evolve, and assume new meanings across historical contexts. Consider the eagle, originally a symbol of Roman imperial power, transforming into a heraldic emblem of many nations. It’s a perfect example of how images transcend time, connecting past and present.