Portret van Don Sigismondo Sfondrato 1628 - 1670

Pieter de Jode II created this engraving, "Portret van Don Sigismondo Sfondrato," capturing the Marquis in striking detail. Notice the baton he holds, a potent symbol of authority and command. The baton, or staff, has ancient roots, appearing in the hands of kings and gods across cultures, from the scepters of pharaohs to Zeus’ thunderbolt. It embodies power, leadership, and divine will. Over time, its form has evolved, yet its core meaning persists. One sees echoes of it in the marshal's baton or the conductor’s wand. Here, it speaks to Sfondrato’s military role and status, but more profoundly, it taps into our collective memory of leadership—evoking subconscious associations of strength and control. Such symbols resonate beyond their immediate context, engaging viewers on a primal level and reminding us of the enduring human quest for order. The image serves as a powerful reminder of how symbols transcend time.