Binnenkomst van de prins van Oranje te Brussel, 1830 1830 - 1831

Jean-Louis Van Hemelryck's print captures the arrival of the Prince of Orange in Brussels in 1830. Dominating the scene is the triumphal arch, a motif deeply rooted in Roman antiquity, symbolizing victory and imperial power. This arch, echoing those erected for emperors, reappears throughout history, from Renaissance city gates to modern monuments. Here, it serves as a backdrop for a display of power, yet the context is far from a straightforward triumph. The Prince's arrival is fraught with the tensions of the Belgian Revolution, a struggle for independence. The arch, intended to convey authority, is subverted by the unfolding revolt. Much like how classical symbols were reinterpreted during the Renaissance, here we see a symbol of dominance being challenged and imbued with new layers of meaning. This print reveals the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly reshaped by the currents of history and collective memory.