Portret van Willem II, prins van Oranje 1749

This is Pieter Tanjé’s portrait of Willem II, Prince of Orange, made using etching and engraving techniques. Observe the dove, a symbol laden with meaning across cultures. In this context, the dove carries an olive branch and represents peace and reconciliation. Yet, doves haven't always been benevolent symbols. Think back to ancient Mesopotamia, where doves were associated with Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, embodying both gentleness and fierce power. The motif of the dove, therefore, is not a straightforward symbol of peace; it is also connected to the deeply rooted human psyche and our contradictory impulses. Like a pendulum swinging between harmony and discord, the dove reminds us of the delicate balance between the two, forever caught in the tapestry of human existence. It is a recurring motif, reflecting our complex emotional landscape throughout history.