Standbeeld van Jan van Oostenrijk te Messina, Italië 1880 - 1900

This photograph by Ledru Mauro captures the statue of Don John of Austria in Messina, Italy, immortalizing the figure through symbolic representation. Statues of powerful individuals such as this, communicate authority and honor. The raised sword motif, exhibited in the statue of Don John, is a symbol of power and justice. We can trace it back to antiquity and see how frequently it appears in Roman military art, where emperors are depicted with raised swords to signify triumph and leadership. This motif is not static, however. In medieval Christian iconography, angels or saints raise swords, connoting divine justice or moral authority. Over time, this gesture has evolved, retaining its association with power while also embodying moral or divine legitimacy. The presence of this emotionally charged motif suggests a deep-seated, perhaps subconscious, human need to establish symbols of power. These symbols are not merely aesthetic choices; they reflect and shape our understanding of history, power, and cultural values. Their continued evolution reminds us that the past is always present.