Vers op koning Jacobus II van Engeland, ca. 1688-1689 1688 - 1689

This verse about King James II of England, created around 1688-1689, employs powerful symbols of tyranny to convey its message. "Tyran," "Schellem," and "breker van zijn Eed" directly accuse King James II, while the verse about "bloed geslopen," subtly likens him to a predator gorging on blood. The symbol of the tyrant reaches back through history to figures like Nero and Caligula. The act of tyranny itself, the abuse of power, becomes a motif of the ruler's transformation into a monstrous figure. This transformation resonates with ancient myths of metamorphosis, where humans turn into beasts under the influence of hubris and cruelty. These motifs tap into a collective memory, a primal fear of unchecked authority. Such imagery not only condemns but also evokes an emotional response, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical recurrence of these motifs reveals their enduring psychological impact.