Artwork
Lions Protecting the Garden of the United Provinces
Lions Protecting the Garden of the United Provinces is an ink print by the Baroque artist Willem Basse. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Willem Basse’s 1634 print, titled Lions Protecting the Garden of the United Provinces, is executed on laid paper through a combination of etching and engraving. The composition presents three lions stationed before a cultivated garden, accompanied by a heraldic shield and flag, while a distant city and several ships occupy the background, framing the scene within a maritime setting.
Subject & Meaning
The work juxtaposes natural and civic elements: the lions and garden symbolize guardianship of the land, whereas the ships and urban skyline reference the commercial and political activities of the United Provinces. The inclusion of a coat‑of‑arms on the shield and flag reinforces notions of collective identity and protection during a period of expanding Dutch maritime power.
Technique & Style
Basse employs both etching and engraving to achieve fine line work and varied tonal depth on laid paper. The etched areas provide softer shading, while the engraved lines render crisp details such as the lions’ fur and architectural features. The overall visual language aligns with Baroque sensibilities, emphasizing dynamic composition and intricate ornamentation.
History & Provenance
Created in 1634, the print reflects the flourishing print culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Though specific ownership records are limited, the piece has been documented in several European collections of 17th‑century prints, indicating its circulation among collectors interested in emblematic representations of Dutch sovereignty and trade.
Artist & collection
