Portret van Maurits, prins van Oranje 1609 - 1633

Boëtius Adamsz Bolswert created this portrait of Maurits, Prince of Orange, using engraving techniques. We see the prince framed by allegorical figures and military symbols. Winged figures carry symbols of triumph, while at the base, we see discarded weapons and armor, denoting defeated enemies. Note how these classical motifs, like the victorious angels, echo those found in ancient Roman triumphal arches. But consider the deeper psychological currents at play: the Prince is not merely a military leader; he is a symbol of order and stability in a turbulent time. The weaponry, juxtaposed with symbols of peace, reminds us of the constant tension between war and the desire for tranquility. These motifs are not static; they evolve. The classical imagery is repurposed here to glorify a modern leader, reflecting a collective yearning for heroic figures who can bring security. It’s this cyclical return of symbols, imbued with new meanings, that reveals the enduring power of the past.