Portret van Willem II, koning der Nederlanden 1839 - 1853

This engraving by Frans Molenaar portrays Willem II, King of the Netherlands. Notice the king's chest, covered with medals and stars, symbols of valor and state honor deeply rooted in the classical tradition of bestowing recognition upon rulers and warriors. These emblems aren't merely decorations; they echo ancient Roman and Greek practices, where wreaths and insignia marked leaders blessed by the gods and celebrated by their people. Consider, for example, the star motif: it stretches back to antiquity, representing divine guidance and destiny. Across time and space, we see stars adorning the robes of emperors and the crowns of kings, each instance a reinterpretation of its primal symbolism. Even today, this imagery taps into our collective memory, stirring feelings of respect and perhaps even awe. These symbols form a non-linear, cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving to take on new meanings in different historical contexts.