Portret van David Hendrik Chassé 1828 - 1843

This is a print of David Hendrik Chassé made by Theodoor Soeterik. Observe the star-shaped medal pinned to his chest and the sash worn across his body: these are potent symbols of rank and authority, hallmarks of military and aristocratic identity in 19th-century portraiture. Consider how such emblems of power echo across history, from ancient Roman emperors draped in purple robes to medieval knights adorned with heraldic crests. Each symbol, though unique to its time, shares a common thread: the visual assertion of dominance. The star motif, for instance, has recurred throughout different eras and cultures, often associated with divine guidance or destiny. The sash, reminiscent of ancient Roman sashes of military honor, suggests a lineage of power. These symbols trigger primal responses, tapping into our collective memory of hierarchical structures and the subconscious awe they inspire. Through this print, Chassé is not just a man but an archetype of power, an image deeply embedded in our cultural psyche. These symbols of power have passed through time, ever-changing.