Portret van Friedrich Wilhelm von Seydlitz 1756 - 1819

Gottlob August Liebe created this portrait of Friedrich Wilhelm von Seydlitz using etching. Notice the feathers on Seydlitz's hat. In ancient times, plumes and feathers were potent symbols of power and divinity, adorning the headdresses of rulers from pharaohs to tribal chiefs. These emblems reappeared during the Renaissance, where they symbolized virtues like hope and faith, and they evolved further, becoming aristocratic fashion statements in the 18th century. The plumed hat is a potent marker of status, recalling how such adornments have historically signified elevated rank and authority. It is a symbol of triumph, courage, and nobility. Embedded in this image is a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It offers us a glimpse into how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, demonstrating their non-linear, cyclical progression through history.