Allegorie op de verheffing van Willem IV, prins van Oranje-Nassau, tot erfstadhouder en op de Liberale Gifte gevraagd in 1747 1747

This print, made by Jan Caspar Philips around 1747, celebrates Willem IV's rise to Stadtholder. Dominating the scene, we see symbolic representations of leadership, such as Willem IV depicted in Roman military garb holding a staff and shield. Observe how similar depictions of powerful leaders appear in antiquity, like Roman emperors portrayed as triumphant generals. This allusion aims to connect Willem IV with a lineage of strong rulers, invoking feelings of stability and authority. The image also shows Pallas destroying discord and deceit, while lightning bolts strike down falsehoods. These motifs aren't unique to this era; they resonate with the universal desire for order and truth. The collective memory of such imagery, from ancient myths to religious art, taps into a subconscious yearning for justice. By visually associating Willem IV with these themes, the print stirs deep-seated emotional responses, imbuing him with an almost divine mandate. This cyclical return to classical symbols illustrates how cultural memory shapes our perception, constantly reinterpreting past ideals to fit present needs.