Portret van Johann Georg Fabricius met emblemata 1648 - 1663

This portrait of Johann Georg Fabricius, made by Johann Pfann around the 17th century, presents a man framed by symbols of his status and intellect. Consider the emblems surrounding Fabricius: coats of arms signifying lineage, and inscriptions praising his medical expertise. These aren't mere decorations; they are deliberate assertions of identity within a society deeply concerned with hierarchy and knowledge. The phrase 'Ratione et Experientia' – 'Reason and Experience' – underpins the values of the Enlightenment, a celebration of empirical observation. Interestingly, this pursuit of knowledge echoes in earlier alchemical traditions, where symbols were keys to unlocking hidden truths. Think of the serpent, ouroboros, a symbol of cyclical renewal, it is also found in medical emblems as a symbol of healing. Here, the emphasis on reason reflects a shift away from medieval symbolism, yet both share an understanding of symbols as carriers of profound meaning, engaging our subconscious desire for understanding. These symbols are powerful forces, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The symbols surrounding Fabricius are part of a cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.