Portret van een man in harnas c. 1745 - 1765

James McArdell created this mezzotint of a man in armor in the mid-18th century. The dominant symbol here is, of course, the armor itself, a motif laden with historical and cultural significance. Armor historically represents protection, strength, and authority, but it also speaks to vulnerability. We find this symbol echoed through time, from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings. Think of the way classical heroes are depicted - clad in metal, ready for battle, yet often revealing a tragic fate. Even in modern cinema, the armored figure persists, evolving into superheroes or futuristic warriors. The persistence of this symbol touches something deep within our collective psyche, a recognition of our dual nature: our yearning for invincibility, shadowed by the acknowledgement of our own mortality. It’s a cultural echo, resonating across centuries, reminding us of the eternal dance between strength and fragility.