Portret van François Roux 1706 - 1753

This is an engraving of François Roux by Christian Gottlob Liebe. Note the oval frame that encircles the man, topped with a bow, with books below. The oval, a form echoing the cosmos, has long been a symbol of containment and idealized representation. From ancient Roman portraiture to Renaissance medals, the oval shape has been a favored way to frame the likeness of important figures. The bow atop the frame is a symbol of love and connection. Consider the books at the base of the portrait, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Books can be found depicted in art across cultures and eras. These represent learning and the transmission of knowledge but also carry a deeper psychological weight. They serve as a link to past, as repositories of collective memory. Each reappearance echoes through time, a non-linear progression, each time taking on new meanings in different contexts.