Portret van de Franse kardinaal Georges d'Armagnac 1644

Frans van den Wijngaerde created this print of the French Cardinal Georges d'Armagnac, with etching, sometime in the 17th century. Observe the Cardinal’s hat, a potent symbol. Its echoes resonate from the ancient Roman pileus, a felt cap symbolizing freedom and citizenship. Here, however, the cardinal's hat signifies something different: ecclesiastical authority, a hierarchical position within the Church. Yet, such symbols never exist in isolation. Consider how similar headgear appears across time—in portraits of Doges of Venice, or even in depictions of the Magi. Each instance carries a weight of collective memory, a shared understanding of power and status. It is a visual language, constantly evolving, yet tethered to its origins. The gravitas in the Cardinal’s expression is palpable. The power of the image lies in its ability to tap into our collective unconscious, engaging us with a dialogue across centuries.