Portret van Maurits, prins van Oranje 17th century

This engraving portrays Maurits, Prince of Orange, likely created during his lifetime. Encapsulated within an oval frame, Maurits wears the armor of a commander, complete with a ruff collar and a distinguished medal. Consider the laurel wreath— a classical motif adorning rulers and military leaders throughout history, from Roman emperors to Renaissance princes. Here, Maurits's armor acts as a similar symbol. The armor invokes not only his status but also the weight of leadership and protection he bore. Observe the persistent reappearance of symbols of power. These visual tools shape our perceptions of leaders, reinforcing ideas of authority and valor. The use of this visual language speaks to the powerful and enduring need to embody leadership in tangible, relatable forms.