The Oldest Flag

by KALTENE

€10,00
The Latvian flag is among the oldest in the world. A medieval chronicle dating from the 14th century describes Baltic pagan tribes facing against Crusaders in 1279, with a bloodstained sheet from their wounded chief as their flag. The warriors were successful, and the tradition held up until 1918, when the design was accepted as the official national flag of the Republic of Latvia. During the Soviet occupation, any public display of the flag was an anti-state crime and punishable by law. The official flag was reinstated in 1990.

 

Reproduction: Digital print, Emblem Matt Poster 230g
Original: Litography, Oskars Steinbergs, 1932, National Library of Latvia and Private collection