Koning, naar rechts lopend met scepter 1598

Christoph Krieger created this image of a king with a scepter as a woodcut. Images like these would have been made at a time when traditional power structures and the concept of divine right were being questioned during the Reformation. This image of regal authority, with its detailed depiction of the king's garments and ornamentation, underscores the visual language of power and status. The fleur-de-lis on the king’s cloak traditionally symbolizes French royalty, but it has been adopted in other contexts as well. Note how the king's adornments are set within the context of the image; borders decorated with cherubic faces. These details may appear quaint now, but they evoke a sense of the sacredness of monarchy and a sense of historical continuity. While seemingly conventional, the depiction invites us to reflect on the cultural narratives that uphold authority. It prompts considerations about the intersections of power, representation, and belief.