Titelpagina voor de serie Byvoegsel tot de Koninglyke Almanach, genaamd het Gulde-Jaar der Bondgenooten, 1706 1706

This is the title page for the series "Byvoegsel tot de Koninglyke Almanach," or "Supplement to the Royal Almanac," printed in 1706. Dominating the page is the symbolic imagery of the eclipse, or setting of the French sun – metaphorically representing the decline of French power. The setting sun, a potent symbol, recurs throughout history. One might recall its use in ancient Egyptian iconography, where the sun god Ra undergoes a nightly journey into the underworld, only to be reborn each morning. Here, the setting sun signifies not rebirth but defeat, a concept that has evolved over time. The choice of the Maison d'Autriche, or House of Austria, embodies this symbolism, chosen to evoke collective memories of past glories and assert its dominance over the eclipsed French monarchy. Such imagery taps into deep, subconscious fears and hopes, manipulating symbols of power and decline to shape public sentiment during times of conflict. The use of such iconography would engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, triggering emotional responses tied to collective memory and cultural identity. Note how the idea of the ‘setting sun’ has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.