Portret van Willem III, prins van Oranje c. 1665 - 1670

This is Peter van Voorde's portrait of William III, Prince of Orange, rendered in print. A decorative border frames the young prince, replete with allegorical figures and symbols of power. Note the cherubs: ubiquitous throughout classical and Renaissance art, these figures represent innocence, love, and divine favor. Consider their distant origins in ancient Cupid figures, deities of desire, which can be traced back to the Eros of the Greeks. Here, they signify a benevolent presence watching over William, imbuing the portrait with an air of divine sanction and foreshadowing of his future leadership. The arms, armor, and standards that surround the frame are not mere decoration; they declare a lineage steeped in military valor, evoking a romanticized vision of heroism. These martial symbols are a re-emergence of classical antiquity, a testament to the undying allure of the past. Such symbols are never static; they evolve, reappear, and gain new layers of meaning across time. This portrait is not merely a record, but a testament to our relentless pursuit of continuity and meaning through visual symbols.