Portret van Alfred Plocq before 1893

This black-and-white portrait of Alfred Plocq, made by an anonymous artist, presents us with more than just a likeness; it is a study in the symbols of authority and the enduring nature of human representation. Note the oval frame, a shape that dates back to ancient cameos and Renaissance portraiture, suggesting timelessness. The subject’s formal attire—dark jacket, white shirt, and what appears to be a small boutonnière—speak to his status and profession, marking him as a man of importance in his time. The controlled pose and dignified facial expression invite us to consider the evolution of portraiture itself. In earlier times, a similar pose might have been used to depict royalty or religious figures, each with their own set of symbolic attributes. Here, the symbols are more subtle, yet they continue to convey authority and respect. It all speaks to the cyclical return of forms in art, where new meanings build upon the old.