Ferdinando II, Grand Duke of Tuscany before 1691

Adriaen Haelwegh etched this portrait of Ferdinando II, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Here, the Duke is adorned with symbols of power and status. The armor, the flowing drapery, and the ornate frame all speak to his noble rank. Note the prominent Maltese cross upon his armor. Originally associated with the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades, it was a symbol of Christian valor and service. We see similar crosses embellishing the garments of medieval crusaders, signifying spiritual devotion and military strength. But observe how the cross has evolved. What began as a symbol of religious fervor became associated with nobility and courtly honor. This transformation reflects how symbols are never fixed. They morph, adapt, and resurface, echoing through history, carrying layers of collective memory and subconscious associations.