Vuurwerk te Den Haag, 1691

This print by Laurens Scherm, made in 1691, captures fireworks in The Hague. The fireworks and illuminations are celebrations to honor royalty, represented with a crown and a prominent 'W.' This display of light, meant to inspire awe and reverence, echoes a symbolic heritage reaching back to ancient rituals. Light, in its many forms, often symbolizes divine presence, knowledge, and triumph. Think of the Roman emperors, who, upon entering a city, were greeted with torches and illuminations, signifying their victorious return and almost godlike status. Over time, this symbolism resurfaces in religious contexts, as we see the use of candles during mass, each flame a beacon of faith. The spectacle of fireworks serves not just as entertainment, but as a profound expression of collective identity and the enduring human impulse to reach for the heavens with light. This desire has remained unchanged; from the humblest candle to the most dazzling pyrotechnics, these manifestations trigger a sense of wonder, binding people together through shared emotional experience.