Portret van admiraal Jacob, baron van Wassenaar, heer van Obdam 1728

Bernard Picart created this print of Admiral Jacob van Wassenaar. Van Wassenaar’s armor is more than mere protection; it's a symbol, echoing the classical cuirass, a vestige of ancient heroes reimagined for the Baroque era. Consider the recurring motif of the armored figure throughout art history, from classical statues of Roman emperors to Renaissance depictions of knights, each reflecting a yearning for the strength and virtues of the past. Armor, in its varied forms, emerges not just as a practical garment but as a potent emblem of power and a connection to collective memory, shaping identities and echoing through epochs. The enduring presence of armor evokes a timeless struggle between vulnerability and resilience. This image reminds us how symbols are continuously reborn.