Portret van Martin de Barcos 1701 - 1708

This is Pieter van Schuppen’s 1701 engraving of Martin de Barcos, now at the Rijksmuseum. Note the prominent oval frame, reminiscent of ancient Roman portraiture, and the Latin inscription, which speaks to Barcos’s virtue and truth. Consider the recurring motif of the oval—a shape that encapsulates the sitter, suggesting both containment and eternity. This form echoes across centuries, from ancient cameos to Renaissance paintings, each time carrying connotations of prestige and timelessness. Here, it presents Barcos not just as an individual, but as an enduring figure. The use of Latin reminds us of the classical past and of the Church's intellectual legacy. Language and image work together, engaging our collective memory and subconscious. Thus, the portrait transcends its immediate subject, joining a long, cyclical progression of symbols that resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout history.