Portret van Maurits, prins van Oranje c. 1593 - 1634

This is a portrait of Maurits, Prince of Orange by Cornelis Dircksz. Boissens. Note the lion at the bottom, locked in battle with a dragon. The lion is an ancient symbol of strength and courage, often associated with royalty, and here, the Dutch Republic. From antiquity to the Renaissance, we see this pairing, this struggle between the lion and the serpent. The dragon is a symbol of chaos, but also, quite often, associated with evil, and the devil. The image brings to mind the medieval psychomachia, the battle of vices and virtues. The lion taming the dragon speaks to a deep, subconscious desire for order over disorder, for good to triumph over evil. It's an emotional and psychological projection, a powerful image that continues to engage us, reminding us of this timeless struggle. The symbol's power lies in this cyclical progression, resurfacing through history, evolving, and taking on new meanings, yet always tapping into our most primal fears and aspirations.