Gedicht op het overlijden van prinses Anna, 1759 1759

This broadside, created in Amsterdam in 1759 by Izaak Bilderdijk, commemorates the death of Princess Anna, full of symbolic mourning. Notice the prominent use of capitalized text. Here, each capitalized word embodies a symbolic weight. "ANNE," is emblazoned at the top, not merely as a name, but as a representation of royalty. Further down, the capitalized "KROON" or "Crown," signifies power and authority, now lost. This motif of loss is a recurring theme in art across time. Consider, for example, the weeping figures in ancient Roman funerary art. Here, the Crown is 'ontrooft' - removed. This gesture of removing the crown can be seen echoed in imagery of defeated rulers throughout history, symbolizing subjugation and transition. The raw emotionality—the grief and lamentation—is a universal language of human experience. It resonates even today, tapping into our collective memory. The non-linear journey of symbols like the crown, as they resurface, evolve, and transform in varying contexts. The visual echoes create a rich tapestry connecting us to the past.