Gang met harnassen in het Grootmeesterspaleis in Valletta, Malta 1855 - 1875

This photograph captures a corridor in the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta. Notice the sentinels in armor that line the hall. They are guardians of the space, symbols of power and protection, reminiscent of ancient Roman soldiers guarding emperors, or medieval knights sworn to protect their king. This imagery evokes centuries of tradition and power, and yet, the armor worn by these men takes on a new context. These figures evoke the memory of past battles, and yet here, they are still, frozen in time. In the context of this corridor, these figures invite the viewer to consider how power is displayed and preserved. They are meant to stir a collective memory of the past, of the battles that have been fought and the sacrifices that have been made to protect this site. It is a psychological appeal to the viewer, meant to instill respect for the history held within these walls. Their silent vigil, then, reinforces a lineage of authority.