De zieltogende Anjouse Monarchie (plaat d), 1711 1711

This engraving, made in 1711 by Abraham Allard, presents a fascinating allegory of political decay. At its heart lies the figure of the ailing Anjou Monarchy, attended by dubious figures while a 'Doctor Financer' examines the scene. The symbols here are rich with meaning. Note the skeletal figure offering food, a grim reminder of mortality and decline. Observe too, the dragon visible through the window, an omen of chaos and external threat. Such ominous creatures have haunted art since antiquity, embodying primal fears and societal unrest. The dragon's presence mirrors depictions in medieval bestiaries, where it symbolized evil and the unknown. The use of the dragon has evolved, resurfacing in times of upheaval, bearing witness to humanity’s relentless struggle with its darker impulses. These symbols resonate deeply, tapping into a collective memory that transcends time.