Portret van Willem II, Prins van Oranje c. 1831

Theodoor Soeterik captured Willem II, Prince of Orange, in this lithograph, and its symbols of power are striking. Notice the detailed military attire adorned with medals and epaulettes, symbols of leadership and authority deeply rooted in European history. The star motifs have ancient echoes of celestial divinity. A similar form appears in the Star of Ishtar from Mesopotamian art, denoting royalty and divine approval. In this portrait, the map held by Willem hints at strategic power, echoing rulers from antiquity depicted with maps symbolizing dominion. The iconography blends military authority with royal legacy, reflecting how symbols evolve, yet retain their primal power to evoke respect and command. These representations persist through time, ingrained in our collective memory.