Buitengewoon nummer over het overlijden van Willem III, koning der Nederlanden, op 23 november 1890 Possibly 1890

This special edition newspaper from The Hague, dated November 23, 1890, announces the death of King Willem III of the Netherlands. Dominating the page are prominent heraldic symbols: on the left, the Dutch Lion, and on the right, a stork. The lion, a timeless symbol of strength and royalty, evokes ancient power, echoing through royal standards of the past. This image, deeply rooted in cultural memory, reflects not only national identity but also a collective subconscious desire for stability and leadership. Consider how, across various epochs and cultures, the lion resurfaces – from the biblical lion of Judah to the majestic lions guarding ancient Egyptian tombs. Each time, it carries layers of meaning, shaped by its unique historical context, yet retaining its core association with might and authority. The stork is a symbol of birth, and it's ironic that it's present in an obituary. Such symbols, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, continue to exert their influence, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history.