Allegorie bij de geboorte van de erfprins Willem Batavus, 1748 1748

Simon Fokke created this engraving in 1748 to commemorate the birth of Willem Batavus. The composition is dominated by a series of busts set within a carefully constructed architectural space, all rendered with precise linear detail. The engraver's skill is evident in the textures and tones, which create a sense of depth despite the print's flatness. The allegorical figures suggest a complex interplay of symbols and meanings. The central figure kneels, directing our gaze towards the busts which are elevated on pedestals, creating a clear hierarchy within the image. The figure in the clouds holding a shield represents divine intervention, disrupting the earthly realm. This challenges established social and political structures, hinting at a divinely ordained destiny for the newborn prince. The crispness of the lines and the balanced arrangement of forms underscore a belief in order and reason, but the allegorical elements also suggest a world of hidden meanings. This tension between clarity and ambiguity invites ongoing interpretation, reminding us that art is not fixed but open to constant re-evaluation.