Portret van Friedrich Wilhelm III, koning van Pruisen 1797 - 1825

This engraving portrays Friedrich Wilhelm III, King of Prussia, as seen through the eyes and hands of Friedrich Wilhelm Bollinger. The king is adorned in military attire, a visual shorthand for power and authority throughout the ages. Note the star-shaped decoration on his chest. The star, an ancient symbol, has shone through history, representing guidance and divine favor. We see it emblazoned on royal garments and religious icons alike. Consider how the star motif recurs in various forms across cultures, from the Star of Bethlehem guiding the Magi to the stars on military badges signifying rank and honor. Each reappearance carries echoes of its past associations, yet adapts to its new context. This visual echo resonates within us, stirring collective memories and subconscious associations of leadership and destiny. These potent images tap into our deepest feelings about authority and tradition, engaging us in a silent dialogue across centuries. Symbols, like stars, never truly fade; they transform and reappear, forever imprinted in our cultural memory.