Portret van koning Filips II van Spanje 1559

This engraving depicts King Philip II of Spain, fashioned by Frans Huys in 1559. Note the sword clutched firmly in his hand, a powerful emblem of authority and dominion. The sword, a recurring motif throughout history, extends beyond mere weaponry. Recall the Roman gladius, the medieval knight's broadsword, and even ancient Egyptian khopeshes – all symbols of martial power and societal order. In each era, the sword reflected not only military might but also the virtues of leadership: courage, justice, and resolve. Think of the sword's hilt as a cross, a symbol of religious conviction, further intertwining secular power with divine will. The sword, like a collective dream, evokes ancestral memories of battles fought and territories conquered. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, endlessly reflecting our enduring fascination with power.