Portret van Giovanni Antonio Sergio 1702 - 1773

This is Antonio Baldi’s portrait of Giovanni Antonio Sergio. The subject is depicted holding a book, framed by laurel leaves; these symbols together represent scholarly achievement. The book, a universal emblem of knowledge, has roots stretching back to ancient civilizations where scrolls and codices were venerated as sources of wisdom. Think of the Library of Alexandria, a beacon of learning in the ancient world. Similarly, the laurel wreath, framing the portrait, originates from ancient Greece, where it crowned victors and heroes, symbolizing triumph and status. This symbol, passed down through generations, evolves, appearing in Roman imperial imagery and Renaissance art, often associated with virtue. Here, the combination of book and laurel suggests Sergio is not just learned, but also virtuous. Note, however, how their pairing evokes a subconscious longing for recognition and remembrance. This cyclical progression reminds us that symbols resurface, carrying historical weight.