A portrait of Napoleon here: When I saw that image, something made me thinking that I have seen something like this in a different context… Later I realized a very similar position was on my coin of Justinian: Actually, in one of the so-called 7 wonders, we find the Statue of Zeus at Olympia: The similarity is difficult to avoid. So, I just wonder: Is that a coincidence that Zeus/Justinian/Napoleon had the same position? - What do they try to tell the readers? Note they all have the same stick. My Justinian has a glubus cruciger, and Zeus has a Nike. - I know what that means. Otherwise I am lost. Anyones who knows something?
The Napoleon and Byzantine are so close, it does not seem like it is a coincidence. Do we know if Napoleon was a coin collector or interested in ancient history? I like Napoleon's early version of today's Snuggie for watching TV. John
USA folks should know of this one: http://americanhistory.si.edu/press/fact-sheets/landmark-object-george-washington-statue-1841
Its just a common pose to convey authority, divinity, etc. Just like the color purple was associated with royalty or imperial powers.
But why is it a common pose to signify those things? It is a cultural interpretation to see it that way. It is not like it is a natural threat display that evolved naturally. Someone decided it would look imposing to sit that way holding those items. Then people copied it through the ages like the op is suggesting. John
