Portret van Willem II, prins van Oranje 1667

This portrait of Willem II, Prince of Orange, likely rendered as an engraving, presents us with a fascinating interplay of symbols, each layered with historical and cultural meaning. The laurel wreath surrounding Willem's likeness speaks of victory and eternal life, harking back to ancient Roman traditions of honoring triumphant figures. Yet, it is the coat of arms below that truly captures our attention. Emblazoned with heraldic devices and encircled by the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" – "Shamed be he who thinks evil of it" – it signifies the prince’s noble lineage and the weight of his dynastic legacy. This motto, originating from the Order of the Garter, carries echoes of medieval chivalry and honor, qualities Willem would wish to be associated with. Such emblems have a life of their own, traveling across time and culture, each instance adding new layers to their meaning. Like ancient gods in new guises, these symbols reappear, transformed yet recognizable, in our collective memory.