Aankomst van de koningen bij Herodes 1629 - 1740

This engraving by Christoffel van Sichem II depicts the arrival of kings before Herod. Note how Herod is adorned in regal attire, his posture conveying authority and power. Such imagery of rulers did not originate here; consider the motifs of ancient Roman emperors. We see rulers depicted as god-like figures, their power emphasized through elaborate garments, central positioning and accompanying retinues. These gestures echo through time, reappearing in Byzantine mosaics, medieval tapestries, and Renaissance paintings. The persistence of these symbols speaks to our collective, subconscious desire for order and authority. These images tap into primal emotions, evoking feelings of awe, fear, and reverence. Think about the human tendency to project power and project the qualities of deities onto leaders. This dynamic is not confined to the past, but continues to shape our perceptions of authority today.