Briefkaart aan Philip Zilcken before 1919

This is a postcard designed by Hendrik Petrus Berlage in 1919. Note the Dutch coat of arms, a symbol of national identity since the late Middle Ages. The lion, a figure synonymous with courage and nobility, grasps a sword representing resolve and defense. Observe how this emblem evokes collective memory and primal emotions; consider the lion's enduring presence throughout history, from ancient heraldry to modern national symbols. Its repeated use taps into a deep, subconscious connection, stirring feelings of strength and pride. Even the stars beneath the seal on this card recall celestial maps from antiquity. These are not static symbols, but vessels carrying echoes of humanity’s shared cultural past. Across time, the meaning shifts and evolves, each iteration layering new significance onto the old, a cultural palimpsest. The coat of arms and stars thus function as potent reminders that the present is inextricably linked to the past.