Portret van Andreas van Oostenrijk 1599 - 1649

This is an engraving of Andreas van Oostenrijk, made by an anonymous artist, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The portrait's frame is adorned with foliage and flowers, motifs symbolizing growth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life, harking back to ancient fertility rites. Note the prominent IHS emblem at the top: a Christogram symbolizing Jesus. This symbol, embraced by the Jesuits, transcends simple religious identity, evolving into a powerful emblem of faith. Consider the serpent, an archetype of temptation. It appears in the Garden of Eden but also entwined on the Rod of Asclepius, signifying healing. These symbols possess a life of their own, resurfacing across time and cultures. This visual language engages us on a subconscious level. Like recurring dreams, these archetypes tap into collective memories and desires, revealing the enduring power of the human psyche.