Portret van Adolf Wilhem von Krosigk gezant van graafschap Hessen-Kassel 1623 - 1660

This is a print of Adolf Wilhem von Krosigk, envoy of the County of Hessen-Kassel, made by Pieter de Bailliu. Note the oval frame. Enclosing the portrait, it resembles an egg, a symbol deeply rooted in the Orphic mysteries as a sign of life, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of existence. Similar ovals also framed images of the saints, thereby elevating the status of the person portrayed. It’s no accident that Krosigk is presented in this way, to suggest he carries similar importance. Consider the recurring motif of the oval through history—from the mandorla surrounding Christ in Byzantine art to Renaissance depictions of the Madonna. The egg motif has resurfaced, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts. This enduring image engages us on a subconscious level, linking us to a collective memory that transcends time.