Standbeeld van Willem V, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1787

This print commemorates Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau. The most striking symbol is the radiant "Eye of Providence" at the top, beaming light down onto the statue of Willem. This all-seeing eye, a symbol of divine guidance and oversight, echoes through various cultures, from ancient Egyptian mythology to Christian iconography. Consider how this symbol reappears in Renaissance art, often representing God's omnipresence, and later adopted during the Enlightenment as a symbol of reason and knowledge. Its presence here suggests not only divine blessing but also a call to reason and enlightened leadership. It has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. The lion at Willem's feet is a primal symbol of strength and royalty, recurring across heraldry and mythology as an emblem of power, courage, and dominance. This visual association speaks to a deep, subconscious desire for a strong leader, capable of protecting and guiding the nation.