Habit de Roy: a man wearing a tonnelet decorated with rosettes, a crown and a turban with feathers on his head, from 'New designs for costumes' (Nouveaux desseins d'habillements à l'usage des balets operas et comedies) 1716 - 1726

François Joullain captured this engraving of a kingly costume, a “Habit de Roy,” likely for a ballet or opera. The figure's attire, adorned with rosettes and feathers, speaks to a tradition of elaborate ceremonial dress meant to evoke power and majesty. Note the imposing headwear: a turban topped with feathers. This isn't merely decorative; it's an assertion of dominance, echoing the plumed helmets of ancient warriors and the feathered headdresses of indigenous rulers across continents. Throughout history, feathers have been emblems of status, courage, and spiritual connection. Consider, too, how these symbols have morphed over time. From the battlefield to the stage, the crown and feathers maintain the authority of the characters that wear them. Each era reinterprets and re-presents these motifs, embedding new layers of meaning within their forms. We see how collective memory and subconscious desires intertwine. The image is a testament to the emotional power these symbols wield, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.