Portret van Hugo Capet, koning van Frankrijk 1838 - 1841

This is Ferdinand Delannoy's portrait of Hugo Capet, King of France. Here, the king holds an orb in his left hand and a scepter in his right, both traditional symbols of royal authority and divine mandate. The orb, representing the world, finds its roots in ancient Roman depictions of emperors holding globes, a clear assertion of dominion over the terrestrial realm. Similarly, the scepter has evolved from simple staffs of office to elaborate symbols of power, seen across cultures from pharaohs to medieval monarchs. The crown, of course, perched atop the head, is an unmistakable emblem of sovereignty. The image, imbued with dynastic implications, is a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of power and the enduring human quest for order and authority. These symbols persist, shifting in meaning, yet constantly resurfacing in our collective consciousness. They engage us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the archetypal power structures that have shaped our societies.