Portret van Willem IV, prins van Oranje-Nassau, en Anna van Hannover 1734 - 1756

John Faber the Younger created this print of William IV and Anna of Hanover. Note the relaxed pose of the couple, and the family dog, which adds an informal touch to an otherwise regal scene. However, the symbols of power are still present: William’s hand rests confidently on a cane, while his posture exudes authority. This motif of a ruler with a staff can be traced back to antiquity, seen in depictions of emperors and gods, signifying leadership and divine right. In ancient Egypt, the scepter was a symbol of pharaonic power, passed down through generations, each ruler inheriting not just the object, but its symbolic weight. Over time, the scepter has taken various forms – a rod, a mace, or, as we see here, a cane – but its underlying meaning remains potent, evoking an emotional and psychological connection to ancestral authority. The dog in the foreground is more than just a pet; it is a symbol of loyalty and vigilance. Think of Cerberus, guardian of the underworld, or the faithful dogs depicted in medieval tapestries. These animals touch something deep within us, a primal recognition of companionship and protection. These are not static representations, but living symbols that resonate with our collective past.