Cornelis Mayer 

Here we see a portrait of Cornelis Mayer, captured by Bernard Vaillant, where symbolic objects reveal hidden depths. Dominating the composition, the scales of justice rest on the table alongside Mayer. This age-old symbol, dating back to ancient Egypt with Ma'at, represents balance, fairness, and moral judgment. The presence of scales alongside Mayer suggests he is a man concerned with measuring, weighing, and understanding the world. Yet, the scales also evoke a more profound emotional and psychological dimension. They remind us of our internal struggles, the perpetual balancing act between reason and emotion, good and evil. Think of the Archangel Michael, who, in medieval art, uses scales to weigh souls on Judgement Day. The very act of measurement implies a deeper longing for order. Through Vaillant’s art, these symbols resonate with a universal, timeless quest for balance. The cyclical nature of these symbols shows us how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, enriching our understanding of the human condition.