Zinneprent op de overwinning van Nederland onder het leiderschap van Willem III, 1674 1674

Gerard de Lairesse created this print in 1674 to celebrate the Dutch victory under Willem III, weaving classical and contemporary symbols to convey its message. Here, we see a vibrant array of symbolic figures: the lion, representing Dutch strength, stands alongside the vigilant rooster, a symbol of vigilance, atop a tableau of classical deities. These symbols were not new; they are figures from a collective memory, echoed through the ages in various forms. Consider the rooster: from ancient solar symbols to Christian emblems of resurrection and vigilance, its meaning has evolved, yet retained a core association with awareness and awakening. Its presence here underscores the idea of watchfulness and readiness, qualities vital to military success. The emotional resonance of these symbols lies in their ability to evoke a deep, subconscious connection with historical and cultural narratives. This print is not merely a record of victory but a potent expression of collective identity, continually reshaped and reinterpreted across time.