Egbert Meeuwsz Cortenaer (1605-65), Vice Admiral, Admiralty of the Maas, Rotterdam c. 1660

This is a portrait of Egbert Meeuwsz Cortenaer, Vice Admiral, Admiralty of the Maas, Rotterdam, painted by Bartholomeus van der Helst. Observe Cortenaer’s commanding presence. The baton he holds is no mere walking stick; it's a scepter, a symbol of authority echoing back to ancient Roman consuls. It speaks to the psychological power vested in leadership, a visual cue ingrained in our collective memory. Consider, too, the sash, opulent in gold. This isn't just decoration; it’s a statement, a heraldic banner proclaiming status. Think of medieval tapestries, ancient Egyptian pectorals. The need to visually assert power and belonging transcends time. These symbols are not static, though. Their meanings shift, evolve, and resurface in new guises, always engaging our subconscious with the same primal themes of power, status, and identity.