Portret van Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, hertog van Alva 1549 - 1575

This portrait of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alva, is rendered through engraving, though its creator remains unknown. Alva is depicted in full armor holding a baton, emblems of leadership and military might. Consider, however, the rose he holds; a symbol of love and beauty, yet here, it seems almost ironic. Might this juxtaposition be an allusion to the duality of man, capable of both creation and destruction? The baton in Alva's hand echoes the scepter, a symbol found in ancient Mesopotamian art, wielded by gods and kings alike. This motif reappears throughout history, signifying power and authority. But like the rose, its meaning shifts. Think of the Roman fasces, bundles of rods signifying power, that Mussolini later revived. Symbols possess an uncanny ability to resurface across epochs, often twisted and contorted by the currents of history. They speak to our collective memory, tapping into primal emotions and anxieties. Consider how these symbols resurface, evolved, and took on new meanings in different historical contexts.