Beroald, vierde koning der Friezen 1618 - 1620

Editor: Here we have "Beroald, fourth king of the Frisians," an engraving by Pieter Feddes van Harlingen, made between 1618 and 1620. What strikes me is the figure of the king in almost a frenzied state on horseback, contrasted against the shield bearing what appear to be water lily leaves. What can you tell me about what’s being represented here? Curator: Look closely – how is the crossbow aimed, and at what? Consider also the gesture of the king's free hand. It’s an image riddled with symbolism! That crossbow pointed skyward may represent divine rejection, especially considering his crown seems to be falling from his head. The shield beside him alludes to Frisia, but perhaps more pointedly, its threatened stability. He seems to be at the very moment of his downfall, yes? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn’t considered, the idea of imminent downfall being visually represented. And so, that shield isn't necessarily just an emblem of his kingdom, but also symbolic of something bigger? Curator: Precisely! Consider, too, how frequently rulers employed visual allegories – images serving as warnings or claims to legitimacy. What kind of cultural anxieties or aspirations might an image like this evoke in its contemporary audience? Is this image one of warning or celebration? The crown in freefall gives us our biggest hint. Editor: It definitely feels more cautionary tale than heroic portrait when viewed through that lens. It shows how historical narratives can be embedded in what appear to be straightforward depictions. Curator: Yes, and understanding those symbolic languages allows us to hear the whispers of the past embedded within the image.