Portrait of Antonio van Diemen, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies 1750 - 1800

This portrait, made by an anonymous artist, depicts Antonio van Diemen, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Dominating the lower part of the painting is Van Diemen’s coat of arms, its heraldic shield crowned and flanked by winged figures. These symbols speak to power and lineage. The inclusion of the coat of arms is more than just a mark of identity. It is a visual anchor, grounding Van Diemen in a tradition of nobility and authority. Note how the winged figures recall similar motifs found in classical art, such as the winged victory figures of ancient Rome. This motif has echoed through time, resurfacing during the Renaissance to legitimize rulers, and here, to elevate a colonial governor. The winged symbol has been adapted and re-contextualized to reinforce authority, each iteration layering new meanings onto old forms. In the collective memory, the evolution of symbols such as these, creates a potent, often subconscious, effect on the viewer. These symbols do not have a linear progression but are in continuous flux and transformation.