Portret van de admiraal en politicus Andreas Miaoulis 1827

Zéphirin Belliard rendered this portrait of Andreas Miaoulis in lithograph. Note the admiral’s fez and the waistcoat, symbols of status, yet more intriguing is the cross-like ornament he wears. This emblem resonates with a longer history, echoing the cross worn by crusaders. This portrait, made during the Greek war of independence, uses the emotional and psychological weight of this imagery to evoke feelings of religious and national pride. The cross reappears, transformed, in varied contexts – from military banners to religious icons – each instance laden with evolving meaning. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface. They reflect the non-linear progression of cultural memory, influencing and shaped by collective subconscious. The admiral’s portrait captures a powerful moment, connecting past struggles with present aspirations, engaging viewers on a deep level.