print, engraving
portrait
aged paper
baroque
old engraving style
history-painting
engraving
Dimensions: height 118 mm, width 77 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Wenceslaus Hollar etched this depiction of ceremonial attire for an English marquess. Note the crown, a symbol harking back to ancient rulers and deities, signifying power and divine legitimacy. The marquess's robe is also important. This garment echoes the togas of Roman senators, draped over the body as a statement of authority. Consider, too, the scepter he holds, a direct descendent of the staffs carried by pharaohs and emperors, demonstrating command and leadership. Such symbols are not static. A crown in medieval Europe differs in meaning from one worn in an African kingdom, yet the core idea of supreme authority remains. These objects engage our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with power, status, and historical continuity. The emotional weight of these symbols lies in their ability to evoke feelings of awe, respect, or even fear. This image is part of a long, cyclical progression through time, continually reshaped by cultural forces.
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