print, engraving
old engraving style
engraving
Dimensions: height 153 mm, width 156 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is an anonymous depiction of the coat of arms of William IV, Prince of Orange-Nassau. Note the crowned lions flanking a shield, symbols of courage and royalty, potent emblems deeply rooted in the collective psyche. We see such heraldic lions throughout history: from the ancient Near East, where they symbolized power, to medieval Europe, where they represented noble lineage. Note how these lions support the shield, which in itself is a microcosm of inherited power, emblazoned with symbols passed down through generations. The crown, too, is not merely an ornament; it is an archetypal image of authority and divine right, evoking feelings of awe. This symbol has its roots in ancient kingship, a concept deeply embedded in our cultural memory. Like a recurring dream, these symbols resurface across centuries, each time imbued with new layers of meaning, yet still echoing the primal themes of power and legacy. They are not just images but vessels of cultural memory, continuously evolving.
Comments
No comments
Be the first to comment and join the conversation on the ultimate creative platform.