Portret van Jean Louis de Carondelet 1781

This engraving portrays Jean Louis de Carondelet, rendered by Charles Etienne Gaucher. His portrait, encircled by an oval frame, sits atop symbolic objects which speak volumes about his status and era. The crown and heraldic shield are obvious symbols of nobility and lineage, yet they are also potent carriers of collective memory. Like the serpent biting its own tail, this emblem appears throughout history, each time reborn, as a testament to power and continuity. Think of the Roman emperors adopting divine symbols or Renaissance princes appropriating classical imagery. These aren't mere imitations but rather, a conscious reclaiming of historical weight. Consider how heraldry, initially a practical tool on the battlefield, evolved into a complex language of identity. It is a psychological assertion, a public declaration of self, rooted deep in the subconscious need for recognition and legacy. It is a non-linear progression where symbols resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings in varied historical contexts.