Portret van Alexander II van Rusland, als troonopvolger 1818 - 1868

This portrait of Alexander II of Russia, as heir to the throne, was rendered by Carl Mayer in print. Alexander's image is adorned with symbols of power. Note the sash, a visual declaration of status, and the elaborate shoulder decorations indicating military rank. These motifs appear across cultures and eras. The sash, not unlike the Roman toga, signifies authority. Consider how these symbols have evolved. What once communicated divine right now speaks to civic duty, reflecting societal shifts. The collective memory embedded in such symbols evokes responses on a subconscious level. The image serves as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of power, constantly resurfacing and adapting, ever engaging viewers.