Portret van Johann Carl Spies 1730

This is Martin Bernigeroth’s portrait of Johann Carl Spies, etched in the late 17th or early 18th century. Observe the wig; it's more than mere fashion. It's a symbol, echoing the elaborate hairstyles of ancient rulers. This wasn’t just about looking good; it was about power, status, and the weight of tradition. Think back to the sun-king Louis XIV, whose monumental wig became a symbol of his reign. The way Spies drapes his cloak mirrors the classical statuary, recalling the draping garments worn by Roman senators. This motif reappears constantly, each time adapted, each time subtly shifting in meaning to reflect new social and political realities. It stirs something deep within us. It connects us to the past, to the archetypes that shape our understanding of authority and dignity. It's a dance of symbols across time, a continuous reinvention of visual language that speaks to our collective memory.