Plate: Maiden of Freedom

English plate in Queen's Shape, probably made by Leeds Pottery, enamelled in the Netherlands with emblems including The Maiden of Freedom, apparently to mark the [short lived] Batavian Republic.

The maiden symbolises the Netherlands, and is shown leaning on a bible upon an altar, holding a lance topped by the Cap of liberty. She was used as a symbol from the 16th century, and appeared in the upper left corner of the flag of the Batavian Republic.

The lion symbolises the states of the Netherlands, and is holding one arrow for each; the sword represents the intenton of defending them.

The text in the centre refers to freedom and religion; the poem around the edge compares the importance of earthly freedom with heavenly freedom - the freedom of religion.

Some very minor losses to enamel - far fewer than expected on this type of plate.