Monsieur le Duc Du Maine c. 1692

This print depicts Monsieur le Duc Du Maine, and features the column, a symbol of power and stability, rooted in classical antiquity. The column appears throughout art history, from ancient Roman temples to Renaissance palace facades. Here, it acts as a backdrop, a visual cue that elevates the status of the subject, a member of the French nobility. The column and the sword both contribute to the carefully constructed image of authority. Yet, there is something uncanny about it. Consider the baton he holds, a symbol of command. It reminds me of ancient scepters wielded by emperors and gods. But here, it seems almost ornamental, its power diluted by the elaborate costume and artificial pose. It is as if the symbols of authority are detached from genuine power, reflecting a deeper cultural anxiety. These symbols resonate with an emotional charge that taps into our collective memory, stirring feelings of awe, even unease, as we contemplate the transient nature of power itself. These symbols progress and evolve, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.