Verklaring bij de prent met het huldeblijk aan koning Willem I, 1815 1815 - 1816

This print, created in 1815 by an anonymous artist, commemorates King Willem I of the Netherlands. The inscription "Hersteld en Vereenigd Nederland aan Koning Willem den Eersten" (Restored and United Netherlands to King Willem the First) is the dominant motif. It embodies the cultural and political aspirations of the time. The concept of unity and restoration here echoes ancient Roman ideals of "renovatio," a return to a golden age, seen in coins and sculptures. The desire for renewal following upheaval is a recurring theme across epochs. Consider the phoenix, a symbol of rebirth found in ancient Egyptian and Greek traditions, later adopted by Christianity to represent resurrection. This imagery speaks to the collective memory of loss and the yearning for a return to stability. This yearning elicits a powerful emotional response, tapping into our subconscious desire for order and prosperity, demonstrating how symbols transcend mere representation to engage deeply with our shared human experience.