Komt kinders jong en oud / hier kunt gy klaar beschouwen / De vorsten van Europa / als ook haar huwlijks-vrouwen 1767 - 1793

This print, made by Erven Hendrik van der Putte, presents us with rows of European monarchs, each framed in a circle, bearing the symbols of their authority: crowns, swords, and scepters. The sword, brandished by many, is more than a weapon. It's a symbol of justice, power, and the divine right to rule. We see it mirrored across centuries, from ancient Roman depictions of emperors to medieval knights. Consider the repeated appearance of this motif, and the intense emotions—fear, respect, awe—it evokes. It represents a potent psychological force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Note that each monarch is also paired with his wife, which serves as a reminder that succession and dynasty are equally important symbols of legacy and the continuity of power. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and are reinterpreted. Their power lies in their ability to traverse time, continuously accumulating layers of meaning and cultural memory.