Wapenschild van Willem IV, prins van Oranje-Nassau 1736 - 1761

This is Johannes van der Spyck’s “Wapenschild van Willem IV, prins van Oranje-Nassau.” Note the prominent lions flanking the central shield, symbols of courage, nobility, and royalty, deeply rooted in European heraldry. Observe how these regal beasts, crowned and posed as guardians, echo figures from ancient mythologies and royal emblems across centuries. These lions remind me of similar figures adorning medieval tapestries and Roman monuments. We see this lion motif stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it symbolized power and protection. The gesture of the lion as a guardian evokes a deep, subconscious appeal—a primal need for safety and authority. This image becomes a vessel through which collective memory and historical continuity are visualized. As symbols traverse history, they are not merely repeated but are reimagined, embodying the ever-evolving cultural and psychological landscape.