Portret van Ambrosius, hertog van Hornes en Bassigny 1616 - 1657

Paulus Pontius created this portrait of Ambrosius, Duke of Hornes and Bassigny, using engraving techniques. The subject's armor and lace collar speak volumes, transcending mere representation to embody power and status within the 17th-century aristocracy. The armor, a symbol of martial prowess, hearkens back to classical antiquity, echoing the protective gear of Roman emperors. This motif resurfaces throughout history, from medieval knights to Renaissance rulers, each iteration imbued with new layers of meaning. The lace collar, indicative of nobility, contrasts the armor's harshness, adding refinement. Consider the psychological weight of such symbols: armor not only protects physically but also projects invulnerability. The Duke's gaze, though captured on paper, meets ours with unwavering confidence, inviting us to contemplate the psychological dynamics between power, representation, and perception. The dance of symbols continues.