Portret van admiraal Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp 1728

This is Bernard Picart’s portrait of Admiral Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp, made around the turn of the 18th century. The medal hung around Tromp’s neck is not merely ornamental; it is a symbol of power, prestige, and valor. Consider the evolution of such emblems. The ancient Roman emperors, for instance, adorned themselves with laurel wreaths and imperial purple, each signifying divine right and military prowess. Later, in medieval Europe, knights wore heraldic crests, emblems of lineage and fealty, which served not only as identifiers on the battlefield but also as potent symbols of their social standing. The medal carries a psychological weight. It signifies the burden of leadership and the isolation of command, a weight that resonates across cultures and eras. We are reminded that symbols are never static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying the echo of past glories and present aspirations.