Portret van Hendrik IV 1701

Romeyn de Hooghe created this print of Hendrik IV. Observe the eagle emblazoned across Hendrik's armor. This is no mere bird; it is the Aquila, the eagle of the Roman emperors, a symbol adopted by rulers across Europe to assert their authority and lineage, reaching back to antiquity itself. This emblem carries with it centuries of Roman imperial ambition, resurfacing in Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire, and echoed through various dynasties that sought to claim a piece of Rome's glory. Consider its transformation: from the legions' standards to a heraldic device, a powerful conduit connecting rulers to the past. Each time it appears, the Aquila evokes not just power but the collective memory of empire, a potent force that shapes our perception of leadership. This image serves as a psychological anchor, tapping into our deep-seated notions of power and authority, subtly influencing how we perceive the figure of Hendrik IV.