Portret van Christiaan II van Denemarken 1530

This woodcut portrays Christian II of Denmark by Jan Swart van Groningen. Observe the heraldic shield, it's not merely decorative; it's a visual claim to power, laden with symbols of dominion. The crowns and lions, repeated across the shield, echo motifs seen in royal emblems throughout Europe, each a visual shorthand for authority and lineage. Think of similar symbols from antiquity, like the Roman eagle or the scepter, these recur across time, their forms evolving yet their primal impact enduring. Such imagery taps into a collective memory, a shared understanding of power that transcends language. The lion, in particular, a symbol of courage and royalty since ancient times, reappears on countless coats of arms, banners, and monuments. This isn't mere imitation; it's a subconscious reaching back to claim a place in a lineage of power. The emotional resonance of these symbols, the deep-seated respect and awe they inspire, are not accidents. They are carefully cultivated and passed down, shaping our perceptions and behaviors across generations.