The Dutch Maiden (Dutch: Nederlandse Maagd) is a national personification of the Netherlands. She is typically depicted in a Roman garment and with a lion, the Leo Belgicus, by her side. In addition to the symbol of a national maiden, there were also symbolic provincial maidens and town maidens.
A Dutch Maiden has been used as a national symbol since the 16th century.
Dutch maiden threatened by Spanish soldier. From Gysius: Oorsprong en voortgang, 1616.
Back of 1696 Leeuwarden silver half 3 guilder coin, with the Latin inscription "HANC TUEMUR, HAC NITIMUR" ("We protect her; she supports us"), showing the Dutch Maiden holding a lance topped by a phrygian cap, left hand leaning on a bible and standing on an altar. From the collection of the Teylers Museum
Flags of the Batavian Republic.
Dutch Maiden in a political cartoon, entitled "Ons Schibboleth", printed in De Nederlandsche Spectator, 1866.
Dutch Maiden atop the national monument at Plein 1813 in The Hague. From a postcard dating around 1890-1905.
Dutch Maiden on a design for the Golden Coach, by Nicolaas van der Waay.
During the Dutch Revolt, a maiden representing the United Provinces of the Netherlands became a recurrent theme in allegorical cartoons.
On 25 May 1694, the States of Holland and West Friesland introduced a uniform coin design for the United Provinces, showing a Dutch Maiden leaning on a bible placed on an altar and holding a lance with the Cap of Liberty.
During the French occupation, the short-lived Batavian Republic adopted the Dutch Maiden as its main symbol. The symbol was depicted on the upper left corner of the Batavian Republic's flag, with a lion at her feet. In one hand, she holds a shield with the Roman fasces and in the other a lance crowned with the cap of liberty.