Portret van Johannes Georgi 1649

David Mannasser crafted this portrait of Johannes Georgi in 1649. Note the laurel wreath encircling the sitter’s name. Laurels, since antiquity, have symbolized triumph and honor, especially in military or intellectual achievements. But observe how the wreath is integrated into the frame, almost as if bursting from within; this recalls the classical motif of the "imago clipeata"—a portrait set within a round or oval shield. The "imago clipeata," popular in Roman times, was originally a way to honor ancestors, their images displayed as emblems of lineage and virtue. Here, however, the frame appears almost torn, adding a layer of psychological tension. This could suggest a break from tradition or perhaps the tumultuous times Georgi lived through. It’s this layering of symbols, ancient and contemporary, that provides the potent emotional charge of the image, engaging us on a subconscious level. The symbol progresses non-linearly, echoing and transforming with the changing tides of history.