Decoraties 53-56 te Den Haag, 1747 1751

This print, made in The Hague in 1747 by an anonymous artist, showcases symbols laden with the aspirations and ideals of its time. Dominant are the heraldic motifs. The crowned monogram, wreathed in laurel, speaks of authority and victory, echoing emblems found on ancient Roman coins and Renaissance tapestries. Nearby, a figure in armor accompanied by an angel is crowned with laurel; the lion at their feet is a symbol for courage and nobility dating back to ancient Greece. These symbols aren't confined to 18th-century Hague. The image of a ruler being crowned by an angel echoes depictions of Roman emperors and medieval monarchs, resurfacing throughout history to legitimize power. This repetition isn't mere imitation; it reflects a deep-seated human desire for order, stability, and the comfort of established authority. Such iconography also reflects the subconscious human drive to connect the present to a more glorious past. This connection serves to lend authority and legitimacy to contemporary rulers and states.