Allegorisch portret van Leopold Willem, landvoogd der Zuidelijke Nederlanden 1636 - 1679

This allegorical portrait of Leopold Willem, etched by Frans van den Wijngaerde, presents us with a dense layering of symbols, each laden with historical and cultural significance. Dominating the composition are allegorical figures and emblems of power. Justice, with her blindfold, balances scales in hand, a motif that traces back to ancient Roman depictions, embodying fairness. Above, we see putti holding a coat of arms, symbols of noble lineage and divine favor, reminiscent of those found in Renaissance tapestries and illuminated manuscripts. Consider, for instance, the recurring image of the eagle, a symbol of imperial power since Roman times, here perched atop architectural elements. Its evolution can be traced through centuries of heraldry, each iteration subtly shifting in meaning yet always evoking authority. The unconscious yearning for order and power has fueled its continuous adaptation. These symbols are not static; they transform across time, echoing in diverse cultural expressions, perpetually resurrected and reinterpreted.