Seyss Inquart, Mussert en Himmler 1940 - 1944

This photograph by Foto-Persbureau Fellinga captures Seyss-Inquart, Mussert, and Himmler, figures entwined with the dark symbolism of their time. Note the array of emblems and uniforms; these are not merely clothing but potent symbols of authority and ideology. Consider the eagle, a motif stretching back to ancient empires, here manipulated to evoke power and domination. It echoes in Roman standards and imperial crests, yet twisted to serve a new, sinister order. Even the austere black uniform worn by Mussert, a stark contrast to civilian attire, speaks of discipline, control, and a rejection of individuality. These symbols stir deep, often subconscious responses, tapping into primal associations of strength, order, and fear. The strategic deployment of such iconography serves not just to identify but to psychologically condition, forging a collective identity steeped in the imagery of power. It is a stark lesson in how symbols can be both historical echoes and tools of manipulation, constantly reshaping themselves in the theater of human history.