Plate 1718 - 1735

This colorful plate was created by the Grieksche A Factory, presenting us with a procession scene filled with intriguing symbols. At its heart, a figure on horseback leads a small entourage, under a parasol. This image—the rider, the entourage—resonates with ancient traditions of power and ceremony, echoing imperial processions across different cultures, and bringing to mind the Roman triumphs of antiquity. The parasol held aloft is reminiscent of its use in ancient Near Eastern art, where it signified divinity or royalty. Think of its appearance in depictions of rulers like those of ancient Egypt, where the parasol was not merely a sunshade but a symbol of protection and authority. It reemerges in Byzantine art, sheltering emperors and religious figures alike, imbuing them with an aura of divine favor. This visual echo chamber across time and cultures suggests that the subconscious attraction to these symbols is deeply rooted in our collective memory. The image stirs within us a primeval recognition of power. The cyclical progression of the parasol—from a divine attribute to a sign of secular authority—mirrors our own shifting perceptions of leadership.