Portrait of Petrus Albertus van der Parra, Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company 1762 - 1800

This is a portrait of Petrus Albertus van der Parra, Governor-General of the Dutch East India Company, painted by an anonymous artist. Note the baton he holds, a symbol of authority dating back to antiquity. The baton, reminiscent of the scepters wielded by ancient rulers, embodies power and command. We see echoes of this motif throughout history. Think of the Roman emperors with their staffs, and medieval monarchs with their scepters, each an assertion of divine right and temporal power. The eagle on the coat of arms is another symbol passed down through time, representing dominion. The image of the eagle is deeply embedded in the collective psyche, evoking feelings of awe and respect. Its repeated use taps into an ancient memory, resonating with viewers on a subconscious level. These symbols are not static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface with altered meanings. The baton, once a symbol of absolute power, may now represent delegated authority, yet its fundamental essence remains, engaging our deepest understanding of governance.