Portret van Lodewijk, dauphin van Frankrijk 1702

This portrait of Louis, Dauphin of France, was made by Bernard Picart around 1703 using etching. Dominating the Dauphin's attire is the prominent Maltese Cross, symbol of the Knights of Malta. Originally a Christian military order, they represent honor, duty, and the defense of Christendom. Yet, the cross’s evolution from a symbol of religious zeal to an emblem worn by royalty speaks volumes about the shifting tides of power and identity. We can trace such symbols, like migrating birds, across the vast landscape of time, such as the swastika, once a symbol of prosperity, later adopted by the Nazi regime, becoming a dark emblem of hate and destruction. Similarly, the Maltese Cross, while retaining its noble origins, subtly transforms when donned by the Dauphin, becoming less about religious fervor and more about dynastic authority. Such images burrow into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, revealing the complex interplay between past and present.