Portrait of Anthony of Burgundy 1470

Hans Memling painted this portrait of Anthony of Burgundy in the 15th century. The pendant of the Order of the Golden Fleece around Anthony’s neck strikes the eye first; its form echoes the ram, a symbol deeply rooted in ancient myth. This emblem harks back to Jason's quest, symbolizing nobility, bravery, and chivalry. Yet, consider how the symbolism shifts through time. In antiquity, the ram might have been a symbol of virility and power, linked to gods like Zeus. Over centuries, its meanings evolved, filtered through Christian and courtly traditions, transforming into an emblem of sacred authority and knighthood. Reflect on the emotional weight of this image; the subject’s gaze and the static composure evoke a sense of restrained power and dignity, inviting us to contemplate the internal world of a man shaped by lineage and duty. Thus, we see how symbols are never fixed. Like migratory birds, they resurface, evolve, and take on new plumage in different historical contexts.