Portret van koning Jacobus I van Engeland 1603

This engraving, made by Jacques de Fornazeris, depicts King James the First of England. Framed within an oval, James is shown adorned in elaborate armor, a symbol of power and authority. The inscription around him, "Dei Gratia," indicates his belief in divine right. The oval shape itself, reminiscent of ancient cameos, evokes notions of eternity and sovereignty. Consider how this motif of divine sanction echoes through history, much like the Roman emperors' adoption of celestial symbols to legitimize their rule. Yet, the invocation of divine approval is a powerful gesture that has resurfaced through time, evolving from ancient Roman authority to the medieval divine right of kings. The emotional and psychological resonance of these symbols taps into a deep-seated human need for order and authority. In viewing this image, we are not merely observing a historical portrait; we are encountering a visual manifestation of collective memory, one that continues to shape our understanding of power.