Portret van een jongen 1859 - 1870

This vintage portrait by F. Joubert presents us with a young boy, adorned in the attire of his time, but it's the geometric frame around him that captures my attention. These square-like shapes evoke a sense of order and containment, yet also suggest a connection to ancient symbols found across cultures. The cross, in its myriad forms, has been a potent signifier of spirituality and balance, seen in religious icons and architectural designs alike. Here, the frame acts as a portal, inviting us to contemplate the boy's place within the structures of society and family. The simple cross shape is a deeply embedded symbol, and it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.