Portret van Hendrik II van Frankrijk te paard 1542 - 1543

Cornelis Anthonisz. created this print of Hendrik II of France on horseback in the 16th century. Here, the symbols of power are undeniable: the king in full armor, the horse as a symbol of nobility, and the scepter he carries, all designed to convey authority. But consider the scepter itself. It is a motif that stretches back to antiquity, seen in the hands of gods and emperors alike. The scepter isn't merely an object, it's a signifier, pregnant with the weight of history and tradition. Its form might shift—from a simple staff to an ornate rod—but its essence remains: a visual assertion of dominance. Think, too, of the psychological impact. The scepter speaks to our collective memory, triggering a primal recognition of leadership and control. This image, then, isn’t just a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed statement designed to resonate with deep-seated notions of power. It's an icon, embodying a timeless yearning for order and authority.