Bordes van het stadhuis van Sneek 1865 - 1896

This photograph by Albert Dekema captures the Bordes of the Sneek town hall. The ornamentation of this Bordes is awash with intricate carvings, and we see the recurrence of the crown. The crown is an ancient symbol of authority and divine right, seen across cultures from pharaonic Egypt to medieval Europe. Here, it signifies the power vested in the town’s governing body, but let us not forget its psychological weight. For centuries, the crown has been a potent image, deeply embedded in our collective memory. The crown acts as a shorthand for power and legitimacy. Consider the Renaissance portraits where rulers are adorned with crowns and jewels. The display is not merely decorative, it's a conscious effort to project an aura of power and invincibility. The crown has evolved from a simple head covering to a complex emblem, laden with political and emotional significance, its continued use speaks to our species' enduring fascination with authority and hierarchy.