Cartouche op rond schild c. 1682 - 1734

This print by Jean Lepautre showcases an elaborate cartouche, teeming with symbols of power and authority. Note the central shield, framed by military emblems, and flanked by putti. Such imagery carries echoes of ancient Roman triumphal arches, where similar motifs were used to celebrate military victories and imperial might. Consider the recurrent motif of the oak leaves. These leaves were sacred to Zeus in ancient Greece, and Jupiter in Rome, embodying strength, endurance, and divine favor. We find this symbol recurring throughout history, from civic crowns awarded to Roman citizens for saving lives to heraldic emblems of noble families. The subconscious pull of these symbols lies in their connection to archetypal notions of leadership, protection, and success. Through Lepautre's print, we can see how cultural memory embeds itself in visual forms, constantly reappearing, echoing through time, and shaping our perceptions of power.