King of Belgium, from World's Sovereigns series (N34) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1889

This lithograph, produced by Allen & Ginter, presents us with a portrait of the King of Belgium, adorned with symbols of power and authority. Above his head, we see the Belgian coat of arms, featuring a lion rampant, a symbol of courage and nobility, flanked by two regal lions, alluding to the king's sovereignty. These heraldic symbols are not unique to Belgium. The lion as a symbol of power and royalty appears throughout history. From the Lion Gate of Mycenae, dating back to the 13th century BC, to the lions of England, this beast has been a potent emblem. Think of how the lion—a symbol of strength—is psychologically internalized as a representation of dominance. The symbolism surrounding the King of Belgium is far from a linear progression but rather a cyclical resurgence of archetypes. These symbols tap into something deep within our collective consciousness.