Chancelier Michel IV Le Tellier 1635 - 1678

Robert Nanteuil's engraving captures Chancellor Michel Le Tellier, his likeness framed within an oval bearing his name and titles. The most striking symbol here is the Maltese cross adorning his cloak, an emblem deeply rooted in the history of the Knights of Malta, representing military prowess and Christian duty. This cross echoes the earlier cross worn by crusaders, a visual motif laden with complex associations of valor, religious fervor, and sacrifice. Its reappearance in Le Tellier’s portrait suggests a continuity of these values, adapted to the context of 17th-century French politics. This symbol has undergone a complex metamorphosis, signifying not just religious zeal but also secular power and authority. Such symbols trigger deep-seated memories and psychological responses, tapping into our collective unconscious. The Maltese cross here, through its historical weight and symbolic intensity, evokes feelings of respect, admiration, and perhaps even a touch of awe, reminding us of the intricate dance between past and present. Thus, the symbols of the past resurface, transformed yet still resonant.