Portret van Alexander du Puy 1670

Antoine Masson rendered this engraving of Alexander du Puy in the late 17th century. Encircling this Marquis is a visual proclamation of nobility and military prowess. Consider the lion rampant on his family crest—a symbol resonating from ancient heraldry to medieval banners, embodying courage and strength. Note the Marquis’s elaborate wig and lace collar; these denote a high social standing. The armor, while perhaps ceremonial, evokes images of classical heroes and Renaissance knights. We might compare this depiction to the way Roman emperors were portrayed, always keen to associate themselves with military power and divine right. Just as classical rulers adopted symbols like the eagle or the laurel wreath, figures like Alexander du Puy employed visual cues to broadcast their status and power. These emblems speak to our collective memory, conjuring archetypes of authority. This image harnesses deep-seated psychological associations, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Such symbols reveal a cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving across history.