Portret van John Maitland, hertog van Lauderdale 1740

Jacob Houbraken's portrait of John Maitland, the Duke of Lauderdale, is a study in symbols of power and intellect. Framed by swirling baroque ornamentation, the Duke gazes out, adorned in the fashion of his time. Note the owl perched atop scrolls and books at the base, a symbol of wisdom since ancient Greece, often linked to the goddess Athena. Yet, the owl is also a creature of the night, associated with mystery and hidden knowledge. This duality echoes through history, from its revered status in antiquity to its association with the occult in later periods. The Duke, then, is presented not just as a figure of authority but as an enigmatic character. Consider the emotional resonance of the gaze—direct, yet holding an air of inscrutability. Such visual cues tap into our collective memory, evoking feelings of awe and curiosity, reminding us that appearances often mask deeper complexities. The portrait invites us to look beyond the surface, tracing the evolution of symbols through time, and the enduring psychological impact they hold.