Ter herinnering aan de Plechtige Kroning van H.M. Koningin Wilhelmina tot Koningin der Nederlanden. Op 6 September 1898 1898

This print by Cornelis Jetses commemorates Queen Wilhelmina's coronation in 1898, overflowing with symbols of Dutch identity. At its heart, allegorical figures carry the Dutch flag, an emblem of national pride and unity. The lion, a classic symbol of strength, stands guard, embodying the courage and resilience of the Dutch people. This lion is a motif extending back centuries and is a figure that has changed greatly with time. I remember seeing similar lions in ancient Mesopotamian art, guardians of temples and palaces, symbols of royal power! How fascinating that this symbol of power and protection persists today. Portraits of past rulers line the sides, a visual tapestry of Dutch history. Crowned with cherubs and heraldic devices, the print evokes a sense of divine right and historical destiny. Jetses masterfully weaves together historical, patriotic, and religious iconography, appealing to a deep-seated collective memory. It's a potent reminder of how symbols can both unify and stir powerful emotions within us.