Penning met ruiterportret van Willem III, prins van Oranje 18th century

This is a commemorative medal featuring Willem III, Prince of Orange, crafted by an anonymous artist. Observe how the prince is portrayed on horseback, a symbol of power and authority since antiquity. Equestrian statues of Roman emperors were meant to project their military strength and imperial command. This motif reappears throughout history, from the Renaissance monuments of condottieri to the elaborate displays of royal power in the Baroque era. Notice, too, the dove bearing an olive branch on the medal's reverse. It is an emblem of peace rooted in the biblical story of Noah, who released a dove after the flood to search for dry land. The dove's return with an olive branch signaled the end of divine wrath and the promise of a new beginning. Over time, this symbol transcended its religious origins, becoming a secular icon of reconciliation and harmony. The emotional resonance of such images lies in their ability to evoke shared memories and collective desires. They speak to our primal yearning for order, security, and a world free from strife, constantly resurfacing in new forms to address the evolving anxieties and aspirations of humankind.