Ridderorden uit Groot-Brittannië 1843

Willem Charles Magnenat’s print depicts British knightly orders, showcasing symbols of power and status. Notice the prominent crown motif, emblem of monarchical authority, atop winged lions. These lions, symbols of courage and nobility, flank the royal crown, their fierce visages harkening back to ancient heraldry. Below, the starburst emblem of the Order of St. Michael and St. George radiates outward, a geometric echo of cosmic order and divine mandate. The crown, ubiquitous in European iconography, echoes the laurel wreaths of Roman emperors and the divine halos of Byzantine icons. Similarly, lions have appeared as guardians and symbols of strength since antiquity—from the gates of Mycenae to the thrones of medieval kings. These archetypes resonate within us, tapping into a collective memory of power, protection, and divine right. Such visual language transcends mere decoration, engaging our subconscious and reminding us that symbols are never static. They evolve, transform, and resurface, carrying echoes of the past into the present.