Ontwerp voor een scepter met bellen c. 19th century

This is J.H. Hellweg’s, 'Design for a Scepter with Bells,' an undated drawing that stands as a testament to the visual language of power. While seemingly a simple design for a scepter, the bells introduce a symbolic dimension that goes beyond mere ornamentation. Bells have historically been associated with announcements, warnings, and celebrations, their sound capable of both commanding attention and marking significant moments. I wonder if this scepter would be carried through the city? What announcements would be made by the person holding it? The drawing exists in a space between functionality and symbolic expression. It invites us to consider how power is not only wielded but also communicated, and how objects can become imbued with cultural meaning. What alternative narratives can we develop by imagining the historical and cultural context of the piece?