De aankomst van de graaf van Leicester te 's-Gravenhage, 1586 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke’s etching captures the arrival of the Earl of Leicester in The Hague in 1586, marked by the presence of a triumphal arch. These arches, reminiscent of ancient Roman gateways, are more than mere decorations. They are potent symbols of power and victory. These arches evoke the grand entrances of emperors and conquering heroes. We see echoes of this motif across centuries, from Roman military triumphs to Renaissance festivals, each time adapted to convey the power of the moment. The triumphal arch speaks to a deep-seated human need to create lasting symbols of authority. Consider how a similar motif of an arch appears in religious contexts as well, framing sacred spaces and symbolizing the entrance to a divine realm. The arch is more than just stone; it represents a collective memory, a subconscious link to past glories and enduring power. Its recurrence throughout history highlights our continued fascination with symbols of dominance.