Portret van Maximiliaan II Emanuel, keurvorst van Beieren en profil op een medaille 1690

Simon Thomassin crafted this print of Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria, in Paris in 1692. Encircled in a coin-like frame, Maximilian is adorned with symbols of power. Note the laurel wreath—an emblem dating back to ancient Greece, signifying victory and status. This motif recurs throughout history, from Roman emperors to Renaissance portraits, each time adapted to legitimize authority. Here, it serves to ennoble Maximilian, linking him to a lineage of leaders. The profile pose itself, reminiscent of classical coinage, enhances this connection. The cumulative effect is not merely a representation of power, but an active invocation of historical precedents. It taps into our collective memory, unconsciously associating Maximilian with the grandeur and authority of past rulers. The image thus becomes a powerful tool, shaping perceptions and reinforcing his position through a carefully constructed visual narrative. This cyclical return to classical forms underscores the enduring human need to connect with and emulate the past.