Portret van Hendrik graaf van den Bergh 1767

Antoine de Marcenay de Ghuy created this print, depicting Hendrik graaf van den Bergh. The count is adorned in full armor, a visual declaration of power and status, which is reinforced by his firm grip on a commander's baton. Armor, initially forged for protection, evolved into a symbol of might, echoing in triumphal arches and equestrian statues throughout the ages. Consider, for instance, how Roman emperors were portrayed, often clad in armor, projecting invincibility and divine favor. The baton he holds, a scepter of command, is a motif stretching back to ancient rulers. Think of the Egyptian pharaohs with their staffs, symbols of authority and divine connection. The baton resurfaces through history, shifting from a tool of leadership to a decorative emblem, yet retaining its core essence of power. Such symbols engage our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with authority and the eternal quest for dominance, echoing through the corridors of time.