Portret van Albert Coenraads Burgh 1749 - 1796

This engraving by Jacob Houbraken portrays Albert Coenraads Burgh, a mayor of Amsterdam. Burgh is seen holding a baton, a symbol of authority, which harkens back to the scepters of ancient rulers and the staffs of biblical figures, representing divine or sanctioned power. Consider how the baton has appeared throughout history, from the Roman Empire to Renaissance courts, each time evolving yet retaining its core essence of command. It transcends mere functionality, tapping into a primal human need for order and leadership. Think of the psychological weight it carries: a phallic symbol, an emblem of control, a link to ancestral power structures, and a cultural memory. Observe how the baton invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of power—its acquisition, exercise, and eventual relinquishment, echoing through time.