Portret van Hendrik VIII van Engeland after 1536

This colored woodcut presents Henry VIII on horseback, around the 1530s, by Cornelis Anthonisz. Note the Tudor rose emblazoned on the horse's armor and Henry's person. This rose, a potent symbol of the Tudor dynasty, merges the white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster, meant to heal the deep wounds of the Wars of the Roses. Consider the rose's journey through time, from ancient myths of love and beauty to its strategic deployment in dynastic claims. Its thorns and petals embody contrasting forces, reflecting life's inherent dualities. Think of Botticelli's Venus, surrounded by roses, or the rose windows of Gothic cathedrals, each instance layering new cultural significance upon this ancient symbol. The rose triggers collective memories, stirring subconscious associations with love, secrecy, and power. It’s a powerful visual motif that captures the complex interplay between personal emotion and political ambition. It is a symbol that has evolved through time, yet maintains the capacity to evoke deeply ingrained emotional and psychological responses.