Portret van Louis-Adolphe Thiers, eerste president van de Derde Franse Republiek c. 1863 - 1880

This photograph, by Étienne Neurdein, captures Louis-Adolphe Thiers, the first president of the Third French Republic, amidst a striking array of symbols. Thiers sits calmly, but beneath him lurk formidable dragons, recalling ancient myths of chaos and power, symbols of the challenges and adversaries he faced in leading a nation. Around him, pastoral scenes and familial groupings evoke ideals of peace and prosperity, contrasting sharply with the lurking dragons. Such juxtaposition is not new; consider the many depictions throughout time in which monsters are slain for civilization to prosper. These dragons remind me of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, the dragon slain by Saint George, or even Fafnir from Norse mythology. These symbolic creatures are a potent emotional force, engaging our primal fears and hopes. Their continued presence in art illustrates our enduring psychological need to confront and overcome chaos, thus marking a cyclical return of such symbols.