Leopold geschrokken, 1831 1831

This satirical print, made in 1831 by an anonymous artist, captures Leopold of Saxe-Coburg in a moment of 'panique schrik' or panic fright. The crowned figure on the left and marching soldiers embody authority and order, yet their presence contrasts sharply with Leopold’s collapse, highlighting the tenuous nature of power. Note the image of the collapsed figure, supported by anxious handlers; it evokes the ancient motif of the 'falling man,' a symbol laden with psychological weight. We see echoes of this motif in depictions of Icarus or the biblical fall. It represents not only physical collapse, but also a deeper, existential loss of control and stature. Such imagery taps into primal fears and anxieties, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The motif’s cyclical progression echoes through history, resurfacing in various forms to reflect changing cultural anxieties.