Hare doorluchtige hoogheid gouvernante Anna, Wed. / van Z. H. prins Willem de IV. geboren kroonprin- / cesse van Engeland 1806 - 1830

This engraving by Johan Noman depicts Anna, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange, on horseback, framed by potent symbols. At the top, cherubic figures flank a crown, emblems of divine favor and inherited power. The horse itself carries a rich legacy. Equestrian portraits, echoing back to antiquity, have long been vehicles for projecting authority and leadership. Consider how Roman emperors were immortalized on horseback, a tradition revived during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Yet, the rather stiff, formal pose here contrasts sharply with the dynamic, almost frenzied energy we see in, say, Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People." This tamer representation perhaps reflects a desire to emphasize Anna's role as a stabilizing, governing figure rather than a revolutionary force. Note, however, the heraldic symbols adorning the frame – lions, floral motifs – all contributing to a carefully constructed image of lineage and legitimacy. It's a fascinating study in how symbols are strategically deployed to shape perception and reinforce power.