Sjoerd Wiarda en Haring Haringsma, 14e en 15e potestaat van Friesland 1618 - 1620

This engraving by Pieter Feddes van Harlingen depicts Sjoerd Wiarda and Haring Haringsma, two figures from Frisian history. The most striking symbols are the heraldic crests. Above Wiarda, lions rampant—symbols of courage and nobility—charge across his shield, while below, a swan graces Haringsma's. The lion, a solar symbol found from ancient Mesopotamia to the banners of European royalty, embodies strength and sovereignty. The swan, often linked to purity and grace, hearkens back to Greco-Roman myths, recalling tales of transformation and beauty. Note the knights' weaponry. The sword and spear represent the power and authority wielded by the Frisian leaders. Interestingly, the meaning of the lion has evolved. In ancient times, it stood for raw power, but over centuries, it has been reinterpreted in connection with folklore, eventually finding a place in the subconscious of the European collective memory. The enduring presence of these symbols reveals a psychological longing for order and a connection to ancestral virtues. These images capture the emotional power of heritage, engaging viewers on a primal level. The cyclical progression of symbols transcends time, resurfacing and evolving across eras.