Portret van Lucy Hay, hertogin van Carlisle 1716

Pieter van Gunst created this portrait of Lucy Hay, Duchess of Carlisle, using engraving. Note the column beside her: a symbol of strength and steadfastness, a classical motif used in portraiture since antiquity. The column isn't just about physical support, it is about moral and social support. It evokes the virtues associated with noble status. This symbol echoes through time, seen in Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings, where the subject stands near architectural elements to convey power. Consider the soft drapery too, a motif that appears and reappears, echoing the contrapposto poses found in classical sculpture, a continuous thread through art history. The way she lightly touches the drapery is a gesture of delicate refinement, linking back to depictions of goddesses and noblewomen through the ages, always with a touch of modesty. These symbols engage us on a subconscious level, reflecting collective memories of power and grace. The psychological impact of such motifs lies in their ability to stir deep-seated cultural associations, linking the viewer to centuries of artistic tradition. Symbols progress in a cyclical fashion, as old concepts are revisited and reimagined to resonate with new audiences.