Portret van Juliana, gravin van Nassau-Siegen 1625

Crispijn van den Queborn’s engraving depicts Juliana, Countess of Nassau-Siegen. The star motif, prominently placed above Juliana’s name, isn’t merely decorative; it’s a celestial symbol, often associated with divine guidance and destiny. This motif harkens back to ancient Mesopotamian art, where stars represented gods and celestial beings. Consider, for instance, the star of Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love and war. Over time, the star evolved, appearing in the Renaissance as a symbol of enlightenment and inspiration. The image of the star, deeply embedded in our collective memory, evokes a sense of higher purpose. It taps into our subconscious, stirring feelings of awe and destiny. The star's journey through history, from ancient deity to modern-day emblem, highlights its enduring emotional and psychological power. This demonstrates the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, reappearing and evolving across time.