Allegorie op het herstel van stadhouder Willem V, 1787 1787

Franciscus Sansom's "Allegory on the Restoration of Stadtholder William V," created in 1787, is rich in symbolism. The dominant image is the orange tree, bearing medallions of the House of Orange, representing the Dutch royal family and national identity. At the top left, the all-seeing eye emanating rays of light contrasts with the storm clouds on the right. An eagle hovers above the orange tree and a collection of figures is below. This motif of a protective figure recurs throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian deities safeguarding pharaohs to the Virgin Mary sheltering the faithful. Here, the eagle—a symbol of power and divine protection—mirrors the psychological need for security in times of political turmoil. The image has been internalized and resurfaced in various forms, reflecting collective anxieties and hopes. Such symbols speak to a deeper, subconscious level, conveying a potent message of resilience. Through Sansom’s print, we glimpse how the past informs the present, with symbols evolving and adapting yet retaining their primal emotional charge.