Portret van Frederik II de Grote, koning van Pruisen 1718 - 1766

Jacob Houbraken crafted this engraving of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. He is portrayed within an oval frame, reminiscent of ancient cameos, evoking the timelessness of power and authority. The starburst-like decoration adorning Frederick’s breast reminds me of similar motifs throughout history, from ancient sun gods to Renaissance emblems of divine right. This symbol, recurring across epochs, demonstrates a persistent human impulse to associate leadership with celestial and quasi-religious power. This symbol's transformation speaks to the enduring human need to project authority, yet also a cyclical evolution in how we perceive our leaders: from god-kings to enlightened monarchs, the motif persists, laden with layers of collective memory. The image is a potent emotional symbol, tapping into primal associations of authority and legitimacy, engaging the viewer in a subconscious dialogue about power. And so, the starburst symbol resurfaces, continually adapting its meaning to new cultural landscapes.