Overlijden van Maria II van Engeland 1695

This silver medal, crafted by Jan Boskam around the turn of the 18th century, commemorates the death of Mary II of England. On one side we see William III adorned with a laurel wreath, a classical symbol of triumph and eternity. Consider how this emblem, rooted in ancient Greece, reappears throughout history, not only in portraits of rulers but also in athletic contests and literary achievements. The wreath suggests an enduring legacy, a victory over mortality itself. Yet, viewed through a psychoanalytic lens, it also hints at the subconscious desire for immortality, a powerful force that drives our creation and interpretation of symbols. Observe how the emotional weight of such symbols transcends time. The laurel wreath, while signifying glory, carries echoes of past triumphs and shared cultural memories. It becomes a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of history, where symbols are continuously reborn, adapting to new contexts while retaining vestiges of their original power.