Portret van Ibrahim, sultan van Turkije 1628 - 1670

This is Pieter de Jode II’s portrait of Ibrahim, Ottoman Sultan, created as an engraving. Note the ornate turban adorned with jewels and feathers, a potent symbol of power and status within the Ottoman court. It evokes the headdresses of rulers throughout history, from pharaohs to emperors, each signifying divine right and authority. The mace held in Ibrahim's hand is another emblem of sovereignty, a visual echo of the scepters wielded by European monarchs. Consider the recurring motif of the 'ruler with mace' found across cultures, an archetype that transcends geographical boundaries. From ancient Mesopotamia to Renaissance Europe, this symbol appears, evolving in form yet constant in its message: the bearer commands respect, and embodies power. The mace, like the turban, speaks to our collective memory. These symbols tap into deep, subconscious understanding of authority. The image is not static; it pulses with layers of meaning accumulated through centuries.