Robert Arnauld d'Andilly, conseiller du roi 1605 - 1650

Jean Morin etched this portrait of Robert Arnauld d'Andilly, advisor to the king, in the 17th century. The cross, prominently displayed, speaks volumes. In its time, it was a potent symbol of faith and authority, deeply embedded in the cultural and religious landscape of Europe. Consider the cross's journey: from the early Christian catacombs, where it was a clandestine symbol of belief, to its grand manifestation in the elaborate crucifixes of the medieval era. Even today, the cross evokes powerful emotions, connecting us to centuries of spiritual seeking and communal identity. The appearance of the cross in unexpected places –a pattern in the floor, a shadow on a wall– taps into something primal within us, reminding us of the persistent power of symbols. The portrait's power lies not only in its artistic execution but in its capacity to engage with our collective memory, stirring emotions and forging connections across time.