Portret van Johann Titius 1678 - 1721

Christian Romstet etched this portrait of Johann Titius, encapsulating the sitter within an oval frame. The frame, with its circular form, is not merely a border. Since antiquity, the circle has served as a symbol of eternity, perfection, and cosmic unity. It evokes the cyclical nature of time, drawing on ancient cosmological beliefs and reappearing throughout history. Renaissance thinkers revived the concept of the 'tondo' – a circular artwork – to symbolize harmony and completeness. Below the portrait, a heraldic crest is prominently displayed, signifying family lineage, status, and inherited virtues. Heraldry, with its roots in medieval Europe, uses symbolic imagery to convey identity and power. These emblems are not static; they evolve, accrue layers of meaning, and adapt to changing social contexts. This constant reimagining speaks to our collective memory and the subconscious desire to connect with our ancestral past. These symbolic elements engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level by tapping into a reservoir of shared cultural memory. They testify to the ongoing cycle of symbols as they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.