Portret van Renata van Lotharingen, hertogin van Beieren met devies 1588 - 1595

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving, "Portret van Renata van Lotharingen, hertogin van Beieren met devies," capturing the Duchess Renata of Lorraine, a woman encircled by her titles. The most striking symbol is the cross atop the frame, signaling her devout allegiance. The inscription at the bottom, "Amor Meus Christus," or "Christ is my love," reinforces this devotion, a common declaration in a world grappling with religious reform. Yet, this symbol is not static; the cross, ubiquitous in Christian iconography, has roots stretching back to ancient sun symbols, a potent image of life and rebirth. We see its echo in the Egyptian Ankh, a symbol of eternal life, revealing how ancient longings find new expression. Consider how such imagery engages us on a primal level, a deep, subconscious connection to symbols of hope and continuity. The resonance of the cross, therefore, is not merely religious; it is a testament to the enduring human quest for meaning, constantly re-emerging throughout time.