Hier ziet gy keyzers / koningen / princen / en heeren / Die ons land wel eertijds kwamen te regeeren. 1725 - 1780

Johannes Kannewet’s print presents a grid of rulers, each framed within an arch, evoking a sense of historical procession and power. The most prominent visual symbols are the regalia of power: crowns, scepters, and ornate garments. These symbols connect Kannewet's composition to a long tradition of representing authority, echoing motifs found in ancient Roman imperial portraits and medieval royal effigies. The crown, for example, transcends time, appearing in various forms across different cultures, each modification reflecting evolving concepts of sovereignty. This echoes the shift from divine right to more secular forms of governance. Observe how the artist employs the arch to frame each ruler. The archway, often associated with triumph and passage, here serves to contain and elevate each figure, suggesting a continuous, albeit structured, narrative of leadership. The emotional weight of such imagery is palpable. These faces from the past, rendered with varying degrees of solemnity, engage us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of power and the enduring human quest for order and authority. The visual motifs within are not merely aesthetic choices but rather potent carriers of collective memory.