Allegorie op de ontdekking van de samenzwering tegen Maurits, 1623 1623

This 1623 print allegorically celebrates the discovery of a conspiracy against Prince Maurits. A winged female figure dominates the scene, a common symbol of victory and divine intervention. She wields a radiant sword and holds a wreath, signifying triumph and honor. This motif of a triumphant, winged figure has deep roots. Consider Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, or the Roman personification of Fame. The sword, too, is a recurring emblem of power, justice, and divine will, seen in countless depictions of angels and heroes throughout history. Such figures appear in antiquity and reappear in Renaissance painting and beyond. The radiant light emanating from the sword connects to a collective yearning for justice and the psychological reassurance found in overcoming chaos. This image, laden with historical and cultural symbolism, showcases how deeply ingrained these archetypes are in our collective consciousness. Victory, divinity, justice, and the power they hold have continually resurfaced, adapting to new cultural landscapes.