Portret van Louise-Eugénie de Fontaine 1666 - 1707

Gérard Edelinck's portrait of Louise-Eugénie de Fontaine presents us with the stark visual language of religious devotion. The central symbol, of course, is the cross, prominently displayed on her chest. In the context of 17th-century monastic life, it signifies sacrifice and faith. But, the cross does not appear ex nihilo. We see its echoes in ancient Egyptian ankhs or the Roman crux ansata, symbols of life itself. Over time, the cross has evolved, shifting from a pagan symbol to a core emblem of Christian martyrdom and salvation. It is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The nun's somber gaze and the unadorned lines of her habit evoke a sense of solemn commitment. In viewing this portrait, one cannot help but contemplate the psychological weight of such devotion, and the collective memory it embodies. Ultimately, this emblem's cyclical journey through history is a testament to how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.