Chessmen 

These chessmen were crafted by John Flaxman, though the date remains unknown. Notice the king: he is not alone, but inseparably intertwined with two figures who seek his protection. His posture, a protective embrace, echoes the ancient Roman motif of "Adlocutio," where emperors address and safeguard their people. Contrast him with the queen, whose raised fist harkens back to classical depictions of victory, yet carries a hint of defiance. The queen's gesture is a complex symbol, seen in antiquity, but also resurrected in revolutionary movements. The visual language of power, protection, and resistance intertwines. Such visual gestures and symbols transcend mere representation. They tap into our collective memory, resurfacing in new contexts, shaped by our evolving subconscious desires and anxieties.