Portret van Arthur Wellesley, markies van Wellington 1808 - 1851

Willem van Senus captured Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, in this print. Observe the symbols of authority that adorn his figure. The star of some honorific order gleams on his chest, a visual echo of ancient celestial symbols of power and destiny. Note how this relates to how leaders have presented themselves through time, linking earthly power to divine will, much like the Roman emperors who associated themselves with solar deities. This appropriation of celestial imagery can be seen throughout history. Consider, for instance, how medieval monarchs adopted the imagery of saints, subtly merging religious authority with their own. These symbols are not merely decorative but powerful forces engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The subconscious mind, steeped in collective memory, recognizes these symbols and responds with a mix of awe and deference, a dance between past and present. Thus, symbols such as stars and honorific orders resurface, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.