Portret van Willem II, prins van Oranje 17th century

This is an engraving of Willem II, Prince of Orange, made by an anonymous artist. Dominating this portrait are symbols of power and authority, most notably the armor he wears, signaling military strength and leadership, as well as two medals hanging from the frame. Consider how the image of the horse, featured on both medals, has been used through the ages. From the winged horses of antiquity, Pegasus, emblem of wisdom and fame, to warhorses of the Roman Empire, the animal symbolizes power, virility, and nobility. Looking closer, the horse on the right medal carries a saddle, suggesting a tamed or harnessed power ready to be unleashed. The horse on the left medal appears to fly freely in the sky above a city, hinting at aspirations of the Prince that transcend earthly limits. Such symbols tap into our collective memory, conjuring deep-seated associations with strength and leadership, carefully designed to influence how the Prince was viewed. As you gaze upon this image, consider how these symbols resonate through time, constantly evolving yet forever rooted in our shared human experience.