Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1787, ppp 364 : Le Philosophe Adoniramit (...) c. 1787

This fashion plate, created in 1787 by Pierre Charles Baquoy, presents us with "Le Philosophe Adoniramite," a figure whose very name evokes a blend of intellectualism and perhaps, a hint of esoteric knowledge. Note the walking stick—an object that appears across time, from the staffs of ancient shepherds to the scepters of kings, signifying authority, guidance, or simply the support needed on a long journey. Here, it seems less about necessity and more about affectation, a prop to enhance the image of a thoughtful wanderer. Consider also the open jacket, revealing a glimpse of decorative underclothing. This flaunting of inner layers, so to speak, is a recurring motif in portraiture, subtly hinting at the subject's inner self, their hidden desires, or perhaps their willingness to defy social norms. This gesture taps into our collective fascination with the concealed, the psychological depths that lie beneath the surface. Thus, the "Philosophe Adoniramite" is not merely a man of fashion, but a carrier of symbols that resonate with deeper currents of human experience, continually re-emerging, transformed, yet always bearing traces of their origins.