Prins Willem I, na de mislukte moordaanslag door Jean Jauregui in 1582, verpleegd door Charlotte de Bourbon 1840 - 1843

This drawing depicts Prince William I, tended to by Charlotte de Bourbon after a failed assassination attempt in 1582. The scene is rich with symbols of care and loyalty. Charlotte’s tender embrace and the concerned faces of those gathered invoke a powerful sense of communal support. We observe the eternal motif of nurturing, which echoes in images of the Madonna caring for Christ, present across centuries and cultures, embodying themes of protection and devotion. Even the small dog at the lower right symbolizes loyalty, a common trope in portraits of the era, reminiscent of ancient Roman depictions of dogs as symbols of fidelity. Consider the emotional weight of these symbols, their persistent recurrence throughout history, and their deep-seated ability to evoke empathy and connection across time.