Portret van een koning Frederick IV van Denemarken c. 1659 - 1731

This is Pieter van Gunst’s engraving of King Frederick IV of Denmark. Note the lion, a symbol of courage and royalty, resting at Frederick's feet. Lions have been emblems of power since ancient times. Think of the Lion Gate at Mycenae, a symbol of authority watching over the city. In ancient Egypt, the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet embodied strength and protection. Similarly, in heraldry, the lion represents bravery and nobility, adorning the coats of arms of royal families across Europe. The King is staged as a contemplative figure. The theatrical framing and his weary gesture evokes the weight of leadership. The lion by his side becomes more than just a symbol; it's a projection of the subconscious desires and anxieties tied to power. This image encapsulates the cyclical return of symbols, each reappearance layered with new meanings, echoing through the corridors of time and culture.