Portret van Johann Hermann von L’Estocq 18th century

This is Schleuen’s portrait of Johann Hermann von L’Estocq. The elaborate wig, the formal attire, and the prominent medallion speak of status and power in the 18th century. Consider this medallion, a symbol of honor and affiliation. Across time, we see similar emblems—ancient Roman cameos, medieval heraldic crests, and even modern-day military decorations—all serving to identify and elevate the wearer. The need to signal belonging and achievement is deeply rooted in the human psyche. The portrait itself, in its carefully constructed image, echoes the Roman tradition of the bust. This artistic convention, like the symbols embedded in it, transcends epochs. Each era imbues it with its own significance, reflecting society’s values and aspirations. As it mutates, it remains forever linked to its origins.