Portret van Fabrizio del Carretto 1726

Laurent Cars created this portrait of Fabrizio del Carretto using engraving techniques. Notice the prominent Maltese cross on del Carretto's garment and on the shield below. This cross is not merely decorative. Its eight points symbolize the eight obligations or beatitudes of the knights: loyalty, piety, bravery, honor, glory and contempt of death, help the poor and sick, and respect the church. Yet, such symbols rarely spring forth in isolation. We might trace this emblem back to the Amalfi cross, adopted in the 11th century. Over time, this symbol has been reinterpreted, each era imbuing it with new layers of meaning while retaining echoes of its martial and religious origins. Consider how heraldic symbols engage us on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of pride, loyalty, and perhaps even a touch of nostalgia for a bygone era. The Maltese cross, in its many forms, remains a potent emblem. Its continuous adaptation reveals the enduring human need to connect with symbols of identity.