Portret van Hendrik III, koning van Frankrijk 1585 - 1590

This engraving of Henry III, King of France, was crafted by Frans Hogenberg around 1575. Note the prominent display of the fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily, central to French heraldry and emblematic of the French monarchy, signaling divine right and royal power. Consider how this symbol echoes through time, from ancient Egyptian motifs of the lotus, signifying rebirth and divinity, to its adoption by the Carolingians. Observe its transformation—a sacred, mystical symbol gradually evolving into a marker of dynastic authority. It's a powerful declaration of lineage, legitimacy, and cultural identity. The fleur-de-lis is more than a mere emblem; it is a vessel carrying centuries of collective memory and aspiration. The symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.