Portret van Sir Alfred Milner met zijn personeel in Kaapstad, Zuid-Afrika 1900

This photograph captures Sir Alfred Milner with his staff in Cape Town. Milner’s seated posture, with one leg crossed over the other, and his controlled grip on the armrest, speaks to the embodiment of authority, reminiscent of ancient Roman emperors. The photograph is infused with symbols of imperial power. Note the cane held by one of the staff. The scepter, as a symbol of dominion, has ancient roots, appearing in the hands of kings and gods throughout history, from ancient Mesopotamia to Renaissance Europe. Consider the shifting connotations: a scepter can symbolize divine right, while a cane may suggest refined control. Yet, both objects convey authority. The way the staff is carried transforms the meaning of the one who holds it; they hold the key to power and dominance. The emotional impact of this photograph lies in the carefully constructed hierarchy. Milner’s composed expression, and relaxed pose contrasts with the formal attire and posture of his staff, creating a subtle but powerful visual statement of colonial authority. The cane becomes a silent emblem of control and power. We are left to consider the cyclical nature of power and its visual representations through the ages.