Admiral Jacob Binkes (born about 1640, died 1677) 1654 - 1693

Nicolaes Maes painted Admiral Jacob Binkes in the 17th century, capturing a man clad in armor, holding a pistol, symbols of his military prowess. The frame itself is adorned with weapons, further emphasizing Binkes's role as a commander. Consider the pistol. It is a symbol of power and authority, but it's also a phallic symbol, loaded with aggression. This weapon echoes across time – from ancient depictions of gods wielding thunderbolts to Renaissance images of rulers holding swords. The act of pointing a weapon carries with it an unconscious charge, evoking both fear and respect. Think of Caravaggio’s David holding the head of Goliath. The portrait is more than a depiction of a man; it's an embodiment of collective anxieties and desires projected onto an individual. This is a visual echo of how cultures grapple with power, violence, and the hero-warrior archetype, constantly reshaping its meaning in response to ever-changing social and psychological climates.