Portrait of Susanne de Vos, the Painter’s Third Daughter 1627

Cornelis de Vos painted this portrait of his daughter Susanne, capturing her in infancy with oil on wood. The most striking element is perhaps the golden cross hanging prominently around her neck. This symbol transcends its immediate religious significance, acting as a talisman, a ward against unseen forces, and a marker of identity. The cross, which once symbolized sacrifice and redemption in early Christian art, also appears in Byzantine mosaics, medieval tapestries, and even Renaissance jewelry. Its enduring presence speaks to our deep-seated need for protection and connection to something greater. The emotional resonance of this portrait lies in its intimate portrayal of innocence. De Vos captures his daughter at a tender age, inviting us to reflect on the fragility of life and the powerful bonds of familial love, a universally understood language. The cross, in its cyclical journey through art history, reminds us that symbols are never static. They evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying echoes of the past into the present, engaging our subconscious and connecting us to a shared human experience.