Portret van Pierre de Cambout de Coislin after 1678

This is Nicolas de Larmessin’s portrait of Pierre de Cambout de Coislin, made as an engraving. Observe the prominent cross hanging from his neck. It’s more than a religious symbol; it speaks to a lineage of faith and power. The cross, an emblem of sacrifice and redemption, echoes through art history, from early Christian catacombs to Renaissance altarpieces. Consider its evolution: initially a symbol of profound suffering, it transformed into an emblem of triumph and authority, adorning the chests of cardinals and kings alike. Looking at the symmetrical arrangement, the composed expression, and the deliberate display of wealth and status, it evokes a sense of permanence. It is a potent reminder of how symbols evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying echoes of the past into the present.