Portret van Johan Willem Friso, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1705 - 1740

This is Matthijs Pool’s portrait of Johan Willem Friso, Prince of Orange-Nassau, etched into metal. Here, the laurel wreath encircling the prince’s image, a classical symbol of triumph and eternal glory, speaks volumes. We see echoes of this motif throughout art history, from ancient Roman emperors crowned with laurel to Renaissance paintings where saints and heroes are similarly adorned. Yet, its transformation is intriguing. Originally associated with Apollo, the god of reason and creativity, the wreath's significance evolved, becoming intertwined with notions of military victory and imperial power. The very act of encircling a portrait with such potent symbolism suggests a desire to immortalize the subject. The image becomes more than a likeness; it transforms into an emblem of enduring legacy. This echoes humanity's deep-seated need to transcend mortality through symbols and images, a psychological urge as old as art itself. The laurel wreath is not merely a decoration; it's a visual echo of our collective hopes and fears, resurfacing across epochs.