Portret van Etienne Jeaurat 1759

Pieter Franciscus Martenasie created this print of Etienne Jeaurat. Note the oval frame, adorned with a decorative ribbon; this is an ancient pictorial device to immortalize a figure. The oval shape, suggestive of an egg, symbolizes life and rebirth, echoing forms found in ancient sarcophagi and Renaissance portraiture. The ribbon, a symbol of celebration and honor, is tied to the cyclical nature of time. This motif reappears through different eras, from Roman cameos to Renaissance medals, each time carrying a similar message of commemoration. However, the oval frame, in its recurrence, takes on new nuances, reflecting the collective memory and cultural values of each era, a testament to the enduring human desire to preserve and celebrate legacy. This visual language speaks to our shared cultural subconscious.