Allegorie met de aankomst van Willem IV te Den Haag, 1747 1747

This allegory, created in 1747 by Simon Fokke, commemorates William IV's arrival in The Hague through an intricate etching. The composition draws us into a dynamic interplay of earthly and celestial realms. Below, the figures are solid and textured, while above, angels float amidst swirling clouds. Note how Fokke uses diagonal lines to create a sense of movement, with ships sailing towards the city and the pointing figure directing our gaze. The characters are strategically positioned to guide the eye through the narrative, beginning with the recumbent lion and concluding with the angelic fanfare above. The engraving functions as a semiotic system, where each element carries symbolic weight. Neptune, god of the sea, gestures towards the arriving ships, while allegorical figures of peace sit calmly. Through such visual encoding, the work transforms a historical event into a symbolic tableau, celebrating leadership and harmony. Ultimately, Fokke's engraving functions beyond mere historical record; its enduring power resides in its carefully structured composition.