Gouden beker met deksel, geschonken aan Cornelis de Witt ter gelegenheid van de tocht naar Chatham, 1667 1748

Aert Schouman created this representation of a golden covered cup in 1746. It commemorates Cornelis de Witt's daring raid on Chatham in 1667. Observe how the cup is adorned with a scene of naval conflict, symbolizing power and victory, echoing ancient Roman triumphal arches that also served as monuments of military achievements. But look closer at the lid. Here, we find a heraldic lion, a motif with roots stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia. The lion, often representing courage and nobility, has been a recurring emblem in European heraldry. Consider how the lion embodies a nation's strength. It appears on flags, coats of arms, and royal insignias, and its continued presence testifies to its emotional resonance. This image is not just a depiction of a cup, it is a vessel filled with historical memory, stirring collective emotions tied to triumph and the enduring symbols of identity. The echoes of this resonate through the corridors of time.