Willem V vertoont zich als Ridder in de Orde van de Kousenband op het bordes van Huis ten Bosch, 1752 1788

This etching, made in 1752 by Reinier Vinkeles, depicts Willem V presenting himself as a Knight of the Order of the Garter on the steps of Huis ten Bosch. Observe the Garter itself—a blue ribbon worn around the left leg, emblazoned with the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shame on him who thinks evil of it"). This emblem, laden with chivalric ideals, echoes through history, from medieval courts to contemporary ceremonies. Consider the psychological weight of such symbols; they tap into a collective memory, stirring notions of honor, duty, and the very essence of nobility. The Order, bestowed upon Willem, links him to a lineage of power, subtly shaping public perception. This act of presentation is not merely ceremonial; it is a carefully staged performance intended to evoke particular emotional and psychological responses in its audience. The architectural backdrop, Huis ten Bosch, serves as a stage, amplifying the symbolic power of the event. Such displays are cyclical, recurring throughout history, as rulers seek to legitimize their power through symbolic gestures.