Graf Neidhardt von Gneisenau 1815

This print by Christian Schule captures Graf Neidhardt von Gneisenau, Prussian General-Lieutenant. Note the star motifs embellishing his breast. These are not merely decorative; they're potent symbols of honor, destiny, and guidance, echoing motifs seen in ancient heraldry. Consider how the star, as a symbol, appears across cultures. From guiding the Magi to Bethlehem, to adorning the flags of nations, it represents hope, divine favor, and aspiration. The General’s star may subtly recall earlier uses of astral symbols in royal portraiture, or even the halo in religious iconography, where the star is a marker of supreme moral worth. The star endures as a visual shorthand, a non-linear, cyclical progression that has resurfaced and taken on new meanings across history.