Portret van Armand-Charles de La Porte de La Meilleraye 1652 - 1656

This print portrays Armand-Charles de La Porte de La Meilleraye, made by Pierre Daret. Dominating the image is the Maltese cross suspended from a ribbon, symbolizing membership in the Order of the Holy Spirit, a prestigious chivalric order in France. It speaks of status, honor, and divine favor within the French court. Yet, consider this emblem's journey through time, not linearly, but cyclically. The cross, predating Christianity, was a solar symbol. Over centuries, it morphed, entwined with new cultural meanings, resurfacing in various contexts, from religious iconography to heraldic emblems. Its persistent visual echo resonates with collective memory, a continuous, yet ever-shifting psychological imprint. The visual language of power in portraits is a recurring theme. The proud stance and armor worn evoke the classical world. This self-conscious presentation of power serves as a cultural touchstone, a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring impact.