Affiche ter gelegenheid van het veertigjarig regeringsjubileum van koningin Wilhelmina der Nederlanden 1938

This poster was made by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet in 1938 on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of Queen Wilhelmina's reign. A striking array of roses surrounds a central block of text. The rose, a symbol of love and beauty, has been associated with royalty and devotion since antiquity. In this context, the profusion of roses framing the text symbolizes the love of the Dutch people for their queen. Yet, the rose is also associated with secrecy, a silent language that speaks volumes. Think of the "sub rosa" – under the rose – a medieval symbol of confidentiality. This duality echoes the complex relationship between a monarch and her people: public adoration intertwined with private, unspoken expectations. The rose motif evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of garlands and wreaths found in ancient Roman art used to honour emperors. This visual echo across centuries speaks to a collective yearning for stability and continuity. The artist taps into a deep-seated cultural memory, reminding us of the enduring power of symbols to convey profound emotions and ideas.