De ingang voor de geallieerden voor het Huis ter Nieuburch in Rijswijk, 1697 1697

Jan van Vianen created this print in 1697, depicting the entrance for the Allies to the Huis ter Nieuburch in Rijswijk. The procession of dignitaries and their carriages moves along a tree-lined avenue, a classic symbol of order and authority. The avenue, with its rows of trees, echoes motifs found in ancient Roman art, where straight roads symbolized imperial power and control. Think of the Appian Way, a path that has reappeared throughout history in different forms. Here, the avenue isn't just a road; it's a stage, a carefully constructed setting for a display of power. The controlled nature is meant to subliminally convey the idea of dominance. Consider the psychological weight of such imagery, how it shapes perceptions of authority. This carefully staged entrance speaks volumes about the performative aspects of power, a concept that continues to resonate through the ages. The visual echo of historical symbols reinforces the Allies' sense of legitimacy and command.