Portret van François-Théodore de Nesmond 1640 - 1644

This detailed line engraving showcases a parade of noblemen with their horses, their attire and standards rich in heraldic symbolism. Each coat of arms, each colour chosen, speaks to lineage, allegiance, and power within the community. Note the recurring motif of the banner. Throughout history, banners have served not only as identifiers on the battlefield but also as potent emblems of group identity. Consider the Roman legions, each marching under its unique standard, or the medieval guilds, proudly displaying their trades and values on silk banners. These banners evoke a deep, primal connection to collective memory and the subconscious desire for belonging. The act of carrying a banner, the weight of its symbolic meaning, becomes a powerful expression of identity, influencing viewers on a deep, subconscious level and stirring emotions tied to loyalty, pride, and shared heritage. The banners in this parade are not static emblems; they are living symbols that have evolved. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, reflecting the non-linear, cyclical progression of history itself.