Baron Leopold von Rothkirch 1813

This sketch of Baron Leopold von Rothkirch was rendered by Johann Peter Krafft using graphite. The Baron's most prominent feature is his bicorne, the cocked hat worn by military and naval officers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Consider how the bicorne is reminiscent of the Roman helmet, a symbol of authority and martial prowess since antiquity. Think of the Roman emperors depicted in their helmets and breastplates, projecting power and invincibility. Over time, the helmet evolved into various forms, each reflecting the changing styles of warfare and the cultural values of its era. The bicorne is not merely a hat, but a vessel carrying centuries of martial symbolism, echoing through the corridors of history. This piece engages viewers on a subconscious level, tapping into our collective memory of power, authority, and the theatre of war. Each historical epoch reinvents these symbols, charging them with new purpose and meaning while preserving the echoes of their past.