Description

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There are several ways to make tracing paper, one of its first descriptions dates from the 12th century and can be found in Theophilus’ diversis artibus. Because the paper was mostly used as an intermediate phase to work on “normal” paper or canvas, poor sheel has not been preserved much.

The ‘Virgin of Dort’ form of the Pro Patria watermark was more elegant and was used over a larger geographical range. “Dort” is a short version of Dordrecht, founded in the eleventh century and, in this custom, a national symbol for the Netherlands. In the Pro Patria watermark, the Virgin of Holland sits in a palisade and holds a hat on the tip of a spear. Holland, surrounded by its fortified borders, retains freedom through weapons. The power of weapons is represented by an unbridled lion (who also symbolizes Holland) waving a sword and in the other hand a bundle of arrows. He is ready to ward off intruders. The watermark was in use during the 17th and 18th centuries.