Portret van Karel I, koning van Engeland en Schotland 1716

This is Pieter van Gunst's portrait of Charles I, King of England and Scotland. Note how Charles is clad in shining armor, a symbol of power and martial strength, echoing ancient Roman emperors and medieval knights. The scepter he holds, along with the crown and plumed helmet displayed on the table, are potent symbols of monarchy and divine right, yet, paradoxically, they also represent the transience of earthly power. Think of the vanitas paintings, where such symbols are juxtaposed with skulls and decaying fruit. This is a gesture we can recognize from antiquity, from triumphant generals to emperors, adapted to convey an air of authority and dominance. Yet, the vulnerable hand resting on the table reminds us of the fragility of life and power, a memento mori. Consider how such imagery is both a conscious choice and a reflection of the anxieties and preoccupations of the time. Symbols are not static; they evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings as history unfolds.