Portret van Louis (II) Urbain Le Peletier de Rosanbo, president van het Parlement in Parijs 1688

This engraving portrays Louis Urbain Le Peletier de Rosanbo, President of the Parliament in Paris, created by Pieter van Schuppen. The most striking element is the elaborate wig, a symbol of status and power during the 17th century. This fashion, originating with Louis XIII, wasn't merely decorative. Consider its link to ancient symbols of strength, such as the lion's mane. These wigs became a projection of authority, transforming the wearer into a figure of awe and command. The wig's evolution echoes in the hairstyles of Roman emperors or even the elaborate headdresses of ancient priests. Each culture, in its way, sought to amplify the individual through symbolic adornment. It speaks to our collective, subconscious desire to assert control, status, and identity. The portrait thus becomes a stage where power is not just displayed, but performed.