Portret van Erhard de Lessines 1660

Etienne Picart's print portrays Erhard de Lessines, a cardinal, distinguished by his mitre and ornate vestments. These symbols immediately convey Lessines’ ecclesiastical power and status within the Catholic Church. The mitre, a tall, pointed hat, originates from ancient headwear signifying authority, and its adaptation by the Church underscores a continuity of power across centuries. We see echoes of this headwear in ancient depictions of rulers, each iteration imbued with the authority of its time. Like the scepter or the crown, the mitre serves as a potent emblem of leadership, subtly influencing our perception of the wearer. Consider how such symbols recur, transformed yet fundamentally the same, across different eras. This enduring visual language taps into a collective memory, evoking responses that resonate deep within our subconscious. The image of authority, meticulously crafted and consistently presented, continues to exert its psychological pull, reminding us of the cyclical nature of power and its representation throughout history.