Portret van Christoph Thoelden 1753

This engraving, made by Johann Martin Bernigeroth around 1752, portrays Christoph Thoelden. Note the wig, a symbol of status and intellectual prowess in the 18th century, reminiscent of the lion's mane—a primal signifier of power and dominance seen in ancient heraldry. Observe how the wig, initially a mark of the aristocracy, echoes in contemporary fashion, signaling affiliation and subversion. The books behind him are not merely background but rather trophies of intellect, similar to the collections of scrolls that defined the learned elite in ancient Alexandria. These symbols have a powerful hold on our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with knowledge. The image, therefore, is not simply a portrait, it's a tableau vivant, a resurfacing of ancient motifs that continue to resonate and transform with each passing age.