Vuurwerk bij de viering van het jubileum, 1767 1767

This etching by Pieter Wauters from 1767 captures a fireworks display during a jubilee celebration, filled with symbolic imagery intended to communicate power, prosperity, and divine favor. Note the stars scattered throughout—ancient symbols of guidance, destiny, and celestial blessing. Such symbols aren't unique to the enlightenment, as we can trace stars back to antiquity and their appearance in royal iconography, signaling a ruler's divine mandate. Notice how, like the star, the Crown atop the eagle emblem is a universal symbol of power, legitimacy, and divine right. Its presence speaks to the enduring human need to assert authority and order. Consider also the garden layout itself, reminiscent of formal gardens in Versailles, communicating a tightly controlled civilization. The use of fireworks here taps into a primal fascination with light and sound—a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Observe how these symbols have resurfaced and evolved through time. The star, the crown, the garden, and the firework display— each carries with it layers of history and meaning, reflecting humanity's continuous search for meaning and order.