Portret van een onbekende man Possibly 1852 - 1859

Johann Peter Berghaus captured this unknown man with graphite around the mid-19th century. The striking epaulettes and medals pinned to his chest speak of military rank and honor. The sword, firmly clutched in his hand, is not merely a weapon but a powerful emblem. Since antiquity, the sword has represented authority, protection, and justice. Think of the Roman gladius, a symbol of imperial power, or even the medieval knight’s sword, imbued with chivalric ideals. Across cultures, this motif persists, shifting in meaning yet always resonating with notions of strength and leadership. Consider the psychological weight of such symbols. Does the man’s grip convey confidence, or perhaps a hint of anxiety? The collective memory of conflict and authority is embedded in this seemingly simple portrait, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol continually resurfaces, evolving, and taking on new meanings.