kelkglas met het wapen van Anna van Hannover 1740

This is a delicately engraved glass, featuring the coat of arms of Anna van Hannover. The heraldic imagery is rich with symbols of power and lineage. Note the lion and unicorn supporters—archetypal guardians, markers of authority, flanking the central shield. But what of the shield itself? It's a complex tapestry of historical claims. Consider how the symbols of various kingdoms are quartered, each carrying centuries of ambition and alliance. The crown above is not merely decorative; it signifies sovereignty. The motifs, like those in ancient tapestries and illuminated manuscripts, act as visual mnemonics—cultural memory crystallized. The lion, for instance, echoes across millennia, from Mesopotamian reliefs to medieval banners, always embodying strength, courage, and nobility. This glass is more than a vessel; it’s a microcosm of history, revealing how symbols persist, adapt, and continue to shape our understanding of power and identity.