Mathias Friis von Irgens-Bergh, Danish Chargé d'Affaires in Dresden 1824

This is a portrait of Mathias Friis von Irgens-Bergh, the Danish Chargé d'Affaires in Dresden, painted by C.A. Jensen. Notice the symbols of status adorning his figure: the carefully tied cravat, the elegant medal hanging on his chest, the ornate golden embellishments that point to a life of public service. These symbols echo the visual language of power that dates back centuries. Think of the Roman emperors depicted with their laurel wreaths or the Renaissance monarchs flaunting their royal insignias. The medal, in particular, transcends mere decoration. It is an emblem of honour, a physical representation of merit and allegiance. This tradition of bestowing medals and decorations goes back to antiquity. Think of their power as carriers of cultural memory, subtly influencing our perception of authority and worth. Over time, these symbols transform, but their core function remains: to communicate status and evoke an emotional response of respect, or even awe. It is fascinating to observe this non-linear progression of symbols through different eras.