Twee gezichten op de optocht van Landjuweel ter ere van het vijftigjarig bestaan van de Academie d'Archéologie de Belgique in 1892 in Antwerpen 1892

This photograph by the Dero Brothers captures the parade celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Académie d'Archéologie de Belgique in Antwerp, 1892. The lower image depicts a statue of Louis Berren, surrounded by allegorical figures, flags and equestrian guards. The statue evokes the classical apotheosis, a motif where a mortal ascends to divine status. This theme has roots stretching back to Roman imperial art, where emperors were deified to reinforce their power. This concept of elevation or glorification resurfaces across history, from religious iconography to secular state art. Note how the gesture of Berren's raised hand echoes classical oratory poses, a signal of leadership and authority. It’s a compelling example of how symbolic gestures migrate across epochs, adapting to new cultural landscapes while retaining a link to their origins. This non-linear trajectory reveals how visual symbols are continually revived, reinterpreted, and imbued with fresh meaning across time.