Beschrijving van de gebeurtenissen rond de benoeming van Willem III tot kapitein-generaal, 1672 1672

This broadside, printed in Amsterdam by Marcus Doornick, depicts the events surrounding Willem III's appointment as Captain-General in 1672. Note the central figure of William of Orange, mounted on horseback. He is surrounded by soldiers and officials, symbols of power and authority in the Dutch Republic. The horse itself, a recurring motif in art, represents strength and nobility, harking back to classical equestrian statues of emperors and generals. Consider how the motif of the equestrian leader has evolved, from the Roman emperors to Renaissance princes, each era imbuing it with new political and cultural significance. These symbols are not static; they shift and adapt, reflecting the collective anxieties and aspirations of different societies. There is a deep psychological connection that allows these powerful images to engage viewers on a visceral level, triggering subconscious associations and emotional responses. Ultimately, the cyclical journey of such symbols reminds us that history is not linear. Ideas and images resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, connecting us to the past in profound and unexpected ways.