Portret van Johan Frederik de Grootmoedige, keurvorst van Saksen after 1630

Peter Troschel created this portrait of Johan Frederik the Magnanimous, Elector of Saxony, using engraving techniques. The sword, prominently displayed, is far more than a mere weapon. It is an emblem of power, justice, and the readiness to defend one's domain. This motif, the sword, is an ancient symbol, appearing across cultures from the Bronze Age onward. Think of the Roman gladius, or the medieval knight's broadsword. Each iteration signifies authority and martial prowess. Note how the sword bisects the portrait, almost as if cleaving the composition in two. This bold visual statement underscores the burden of leadership, the constant state of readiness and vigilance required of a ruler. In a broader psychoanalytic context, it represents the primal, subconscious impulse to protect and assert dominance. Through this symbolic language, we see echoes of past epochs and recognize the enduring human desire for power and security. It is a potent reminder of the cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols, their continuous evolution, and their uncanny ability to resonate across time.