Portret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 1688 - 1726

This portrait of William III, Prince of Orange, is an engraving. The symbols of monarchy—crown, scepter, and ermine robes—are immediately striking, emblems of power and authority. Consider, however, how these symbols carry echoes of the past. The crown, for instance, not just as a piece of metal, but as a potent signifier that has appeared in countless forms across different cultures. From the laurel wreaths of Roman emperors to the elaborate headdresses of ancient deities, it signifies divine right and dominion. The scepter, too, speaks of a lineage stretching back to ancient rulers, a symbol of the staff of office that grants the bearer both authority and responsibility. Like the rod of Asclepius or Hermes, the scepter is an instrument of knowledge and healing, but also of governance. These images affect us deeply because they resonate with our collective memory of power, our innate understanding of hierarchy and control, and the psychological weight that such symbols carry.