Portret van Charles de la Porte 1838 - 1841

Adrien Charles Danois created this portrait of Charles de la Porte. The robust armor and the baton he holds evoke images of military command and authority, common symbols of power in portraits of the era. But consider the baton itself. It’s not merely a symbol of command; it echoes the scepter of kings and the staff of religious leaders. Think of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs with their staffs, or the medieval bishops. The baton, in its essence, represents a lineage of authority that stretches back into the mists of time. Each time we see this symbol, it conjures a collective memory. This image has been subconsciously passed down through generations. It acts as a powerful trigger that engages us on a deep, psychological level. Each reappearance is a variation, subtly altered by the times, yet undeniably linked to its predecessors.