Henri II de Lorraine, duc de Guise 1605 - 1650

This is a portrait of Henri II de Lorraine, the Duke of Guise, etched by Jean Morin in the mid-17th century. Consider the armor he wears. It’s not merely a practical garment but a potent symbol. Throughout history, armor has signified protection, strength, and authority, its metallic gleam evoking invincibility. We see echoes of this symbolism in ancient Greek depictions of warriors or Roman emperors. Over time, the meaning of armor has evolved. No longer strictly for the battlefield, it now serves a psychological function, projecting an aura of power and control. Think of the collective memory associated with knights and chivalry and how these historical and cultural associations shape our subconscious perception of those who wear armor. This portrait engages us on a profound level. Armor evokes deep-seated associations with power, protection, and the enduring spirit of a bygone era, a cycle of symbolic reinvention.