Allegorie op de macht van Groot-Brittannië, 1787 Possibly 1787

William Hincks created this Allegory of the Power of Great Britain in 1787. Here, Britannia, stands triumphant, holding a laurel branch, symbol of victory, and a scroll that signifies law or decree. At her feet, we observe the lion and dragon, representing England and Wales respectively. The dragon, a symbol of primal power, finds its roots in ancient mythologies, embodying chaos and might. Yet, here, it is subdued, lying beneath the dominant lion, which signifies England's might. Consider how the dragon motif, once a symbol of untamed energy, is transformed into a symbol of subjugation, reflecting the shifting political landscape and asserting British dominance. This taming of the dragon reveals a psychological desire to control the wild, unpredictable forces of the world. Observe how the artist uses this cyclical progression to imbue the image with a sense of historical weight, tapping into a collective memory.