De zieltogende Anjouse Monarchie (plaat b), 1711 1711

This etching by Abraham Allard, created in 1711, presents us with potent political symbolism during a tumultuous era. Here we see an allegorical representation of the Anjou monarchy on its deathbed. Note the ass with the crown seated at the table: a symbol that carries the weight of foolishness and stubbornness. The shared meal is a distorted communion, with the uneaten food signifying a kingdom's decay. The presence of death, lurking in the background, introduces themes of morality and the ephemeral nature of power, underscoring the transience of earthly glory. Consider how the image of the ass as a symbol of folly has echoed through history, from ancient fables to medieval morality plays. Its continued presence reflects a collective consciousness grappling with the dangers of ignorance and arrogance in leadership. The emotional impact is profound, the image evokes a sense of unease, urging us to contemplate the precariousness of power and the specter of mortality. Thus, we are reminded that symbols never truly die. They resurface, evolve, and take on new life in the ever-turning wheel of history.