Portret van Marcellin Rollin, oom van Jean Rolin 1720 - 1738

This is Pierre Drevet's portrait of Marcellin Rollin, Jean Rolin’s uncle, created with etching. Marcellin Rollin, an abbot, is adorned with symbols steeped in ecclesiastical tradition. The cross that hangs prominently signifies faith and sacrifice. Rollin holds a book, emblematic of knowledge and the scriptures. Consider how the cross transcends mere religious ornamentation, echoing through time and appearing in diverse forms across cultures. From ancient Egyptian ankhs to various iterations in pagan symbolism, the cross emerges as a powerful signifier of life and resurrection. The act of holding a book resonates with similar intensity, a gesture symbolizing wisdom. This image serves as a potent reminder of how symbols persist, evolve, and re-emerge. These symbols offer a lens through which we can glimpse the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of human expression.