Portret van Karel III als koning van Napels en Sicilië 1735 - 1759

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth’s portrait of Charles III as King of Naples and Sicily. The King is depicted with a royal scepter and crown, symbols of power. But look closer: these emblems are not merely superficial markers of authority. They emerge from centuries of collective memory, echoing the scepters of pharaohs and crowns of emperors. Consider the orb resting beside the crown: this sphere surmounted by a cross represents dominion over the world, a concept that stretches back to the Roman Empire and beyond. It embodies a desire for universal rule, an echo of humanity's deepest ambitions. The scepter, too, is laden with historical weight. In ancient Egypt, it was a symbol of divine authority, wielded by gods and pharaohs alike. Over time, its form has changed but its symbolic power remains potent, evoking feelings of respect and even awe. Such symbols transcend mere representation. They awaken primal emotions, connecting us to a shared history of power, ambition, and the eternal human quest for order. It is a cyclical pattern in which symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new layers of meaning.