Portret van Alexandre Bida 1861 - 1867

This photograph captures Alexandre Bida, immortalized by Carjat et Cie. Note the walking stick Bida holds; beyond its practical function, it serves as a symbol of authority and status. We find this motif echoed through history, from ancient Egyptian scepters to the staffs of biblical figures. The stick becomes an emblem of leadership, a visual shorthand for power. Yet, in Bida's case, it carries a nuanced meaning. The gentle grip and relaxed posture suggest not dominance but a contemplative strength. Consider the evolution of the scepter across cultures – sometimes a symbol of divine right, other times, a mere fashion accessory. It reveals how symbols adapt, shaped by cultural memory and subconscious associations, triggering our understanding of hierarchy and control. The walking stick, therefore, is more than a prop; it is a thread connecting Bida to a lineage of symbolic representation, engaging us on a level that transcends mere observation. It is a potent emblem, reinvented, resurfaced, and imbued with layers of meaning that resonate even today.