Incognito trekt Jonkheer Siegfried met zijn gevolg het land door 1783

This print, made by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, presents Jonkheer Siegfried traveling incognito with his entourage. The dominant symbol here is the journey itself, laden with cultural significance. The act of traveling, especially with a group, echoes motifs found in ancient Roman processions and triumphal entries. The figures on horseback evoke the power and status associated with equestrian portraits throughout history, symbolizing control and authority. Yet, here, the incognito aspect introduces a layer of hidden identity, reminding me of carnival masks and other forms of disguise. The journey motif continues to resonate today, albeit transformed in form and meaning. Think of contemporary road movies. The collective memory, the subconscious pull towards stories of transformation through travel remains strong. Like a powerful force, engaging us on a deep level. This symbol is a reminder of the non-linear progression of images and ideas, constantly resurfacing and evolving, taking on new significance across time.