Portret van Ludovic Stewart (Stuart) hertog van Richmond en Lennox 1624

Johan Barra made this engraving of Ludovic Stewart, Duke of Richmond and Lennox. The overwhelming presence of finery in dress signifies status, yet it is the scepter, the traditional emblem of power, that catches my attention. Consider the scepter’s lineage, reaching back to the ancient world—to the staffs of pharaohs and the spears of early kings. Over time, this functional weapon transformed into an ornamental symbol of authority, a theatrical prop legitimizing power. One sees echoes of this in the portraits of emperors, popes, and now dukes. The scepter channels a deep psychological current, tapping into our collective memory of leaders and rulers. Think of the unease and anxiety that arise when authority is challenged or misused. This simple object becomes a powerful focal point. It illustrates how symbols persist through history, subtly molding our perceptions and emotions.