Portret van Willem II, prins van Oranje c. 1770 - 1812

This engraving portrays Willem II, Prince of Orange. Note how he wears full armor with a sash and medal, symbols of military and political authority in the Dutch Republic. Such attire immediately evokes the classical Roman emperors, often depicted in similar garb to assert power. Like the Romans, images of rulers connect to a deep-seated need for strong leadership, resonating with a collective memory of past leaders and cultural ideals. The armor becomes an emblem of protection and authority. Think of Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar; this type of iconography evolves, resurfacing in different forms across centuries. Armor, for instance, shifts from functional battle gear to a symbolic costume. It’s a psychological play, engaging the viewer on a deep, subconscious level, evoking feelings of security and respect. These symbols and archetypes do not simply fade away; they transform, reappear, and are reinterpreted, influencing how we perceive authority and power. The image of a leader in armor represents our perpetual quest for order and protection, a cycle deeply ingrained in the human psyche.