Adam de Coster n.d.

This drawing of Adam de Coster was made by Anthony van Dyck, and it captures the sitter's likeness with charcoal and gray wash. The column, a classical motif, signifies stability and strength, and the sitter's confident pose, leaning casually against it, conveys a sense of authority. Consider the column's evolution—from ancient temples symbolizing divine connection, to Renaissance portraits embodying humanism. This motif echoes in countless artworks across time. Think of emperors and gods posing with architectural elements to appear dignified. This iconography transcends its original context, adapting to reflect the values of each new era. Note how Van Dyck has imbued de Coster with a quiet assurance through his composition. Such gestures, expressions and postures tap into a collective memory, evoking feelings of respect. Ultimately, symbols like the column persist, transforming with each epoch, yet retaining a vestige of their primordial power.