Portret van Johann Anton, Graf von Schaffgotsch 1740

This engraving portrays Johann Anton, Graf von Schaffgotsch, made by Johann Martin Bernigeroth. The symbols of power are immediately apparent: the opulent wig, the armor peeking beneath his robe, and the hand confidently placed on his hip. These are not merely superficial displays, but rather deeply rooted visual cues. The armor, in particular, echoes back to classical heroes, yet here, it's a subtle nod, a memory of strength rather than an active display of it. Think of the Roman emperors depicted with similar nods to military prowess, even in times of peace. This harkens back to the collective memory of leadership and authority, reimagined in the 18th century. Consider the way such symbols evolve. Once, armor was purely functional; now, it's a costume, a psychological assertion of dominance that resonates with subconscious associations of power. The emotional impact is clear – a sense of awe, perhaps, tinged with an understanding of historical continuity. The cycle of symbols progresses, resurfaces, and reinvents itself, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of human culture and psyche.