Congrès international des orientalistes tome deuxième 1876

This book, published in Paris in 1876 by Maisonneuve et Cie, is a record of the International Congress of Orientalists. Note the crest at the center of the title page, laden with symbols, each meant to evoke a sense of established authority. The crest's symbolism—the crown, the shield, the various emblems—it echoes those found on ancient heraldic crests from Europe through Persia, each representing a family's history and power. Here, they speak to the 'intellectual' authority of the Congress. We see these symbols throughout history. Consider the crowns of ancient rulers juxtaposed against the modern emblem of the Congress: the meaning has shifted, from divine right to academic endorsement, but the underlying psychological impact, the assertion of dominance, persists. The subconscious pull remains, subtly influencing our perception of authority and knowledge. Like a snake eating its tail, the cycle continues.