Standbeeld voor Willem V, 1786 1786

This print, made anonymously in 1786, depicts a statue of Willem V, Prince of Orange, with a lion, symbolizing courage and the Dutch Republic. Above, an all-seeing eye radiates light, representing divine providence. This motif of the radiant eye is a powerful symbol that transcends cultures and epochs. We find it echoed in ancient Egyptian art as the Eye of Horus, a symbol of protection and royal power. The recurrence of the radiant eye suggests a collective human desire for a guiding force. This symbol resonates deeply, tapping into a primal yearning for order and meaning in a chaotic world. Such symbols are not mere decorations; they are cultural carriers that can offer insight into the hopes, fears, and subconscious processes that shape our collective human experience. The eye, gazing back at us across time, is a potent reminder of our shared, cyclical history.