Portret van Michel Corr-van der Maeren before 1865

This is a portrait of Michel Corr-van der Maeren, created by Ghémar Frères. Here, we see a man standing, seemingly captured mid-gesture, his hand resting on a walking stick. The walking stick—a symbol of authority, of travel, and sometimes, of pilgrimage—echoes through time. In ancient Greece, Hermes carried his caduceus, a staff that signified his role as a messenger between gods and mortals. The scepter of a king, the staff of a bishop—all carry the weight of power, tradition, and guidance. Consider how such an object, seemingly simple, becomes laden with meaning, transforming from a mere support into a powerful emblem of status and purpose. It is a physical manifestation of the journey, both literal and metaphorical, that defines so much of human existence, and the human desire to transcend time.