Portret van Alexander Ferdinand, Fürst von Thurn & Taxis 1731 - 1788

Johann Esaias Nilson's engraving portrays Alexander Ferdinand, Fürst von Thurn & Taxis, amidst a constellation of symbols that speak volumes about his status and the era. Dominating the lower half is a heraldic shield flanked by lions, emblems of courage and nobility, signifying his lineage and power within the Holy Roman Empire. These symbolic animals resonate through history, echoing in medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings, each time reaffirming claims to authority. The equestrian figure above the shield, a motif that resurfaces time and again from Roman equestrian statues to Baroque portraits, highlights his status as a leader and warrior. Consider how such iconography imprints itself upon the collective psyche, shaping perceptions of power across generations. This portrait is not merely a likeness; it is a carefully constructed tableau of symbols designed to evoke admiration, respect, and a deep-seated sense of historical continuity. These symbols are not static; their meanings are constantly renegotiated by history.