Geboorte van prins Willem, zoon van Willem IV en Anna van Hannover 1748

This silver medal, commemorating the birth of Prince William, son of William IV and Anna of Hanover, was crafted by Martin Holtzhey. Observe the image of an angel hovering over a cradle. This is not merely a scene of divine blessing; it echoes images of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, often depicted with a cornucopia. Here, the cradle takes the place of the cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and divine favor bestowed upon the newborn prince. The motif of the winged figure bestowing blessings can be traced through time. From ancient depictions of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, to Renaissance images of angels, the archetype persists. It evolves, yet retains its core meaning: divine intervention and auspicious beginnings. Consider how this image engages us on a subconscious level. The hope and expectation projected onto the infant are palpable. The creators tap into our deepest desires for security and prosperity. This image is not just a snapshot in time, but a resurgence of symbols passed down through history, constantly evolving and adapting, revealing the cyclical nature of cultural memory.