Christian VIII (1786-1848) and Queen Caroline Amalie (1796-1881) in Coronation Robes 1841

Joseph Désiré Court painted Christian VIII and Caroline Amalie in their coronation robes in the nineteenth century. A panoply of symbols signifying power is on display here. Lions, traditionally symbols of courage and royalty, guard the monarchs, who are adorned in crowns and royal robes. Above the Queen, a triangular motif recalls the all-seeing eye, a symbol associated with divine providence. This motif echoes across history, from ancient Egyptian art to its adoption by various fraternal organizations, each time shifting in meaning. The solemnity of the monarchs, framed by these potent symbols, evokes a collective memory of rulers as divinely sanctioned. The weight of this symbolism is palpable, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, stirring deep-seated emotions tied to authority and tradition. The all-seeing eye, whether in a pyramid or above a queen, continues its cyclical journey, perpetually reborn and reimagined across time.