Beschrijving van de medaille op de gelukkige aankomst van koning Willem III bij Oranjepolder, 1691 1691

This document, created anonymously in 1691, describes a medal commemorating William III's arrival at Oranjepolder. The text details the medal's imagery, focusing on symbols of safe passage and honor. The recurring motif here is the "Eere-poort," or Gate of Honor, erected to celebrate William III as the "Father of the Fatherland." Gates, throughout history, have marked transitions, from the gates of Ishtar in Babylon to Roman triumphal arches. They symbolize not only physical passage but also the crossing of psychological thresholds. The gate is an archetypal symbol of power and safe return, akin to those found in ancient victory celebrations. Consider the psychological impact of such imagery. The Gate of Honor, laden with symbolism, aimed to reassure and unite the populace under a benevolent leader. The non-linear progression of this symbol surfaces time and again, evolving in form, but retaining its fundamental power to evoke feelings of security, pride, and collective identity.