Portret van kardinaal Gabriele Ferretti 1814 - 1862

Paolo Guglielmi created this portrait of Cardinal Gabriele Ferretti using engraving. Dominating the composition is the cross, a powerful symbol of faith and authority. Note how it hangs prominently from Ferretti’s neck. The cross as a symbol far predates Christianity. In ancient Egypt, the ankh represented life and immortality. This symbol was then adopted and transformed, imbued with new meaning through Christianity, representing sacrifice and redemption. Observe also how the Cardinal’s robes and chains of office denote his status, not just as a man of God, but as a figure of temporal power. These motifs evoke a sense of awe and perhaps even fear. Consider how the same symbol of the cross can be found throughout history, adorning religious and secular artworks alike. Think of the emotional weight it carries, shaped by centuries of collective memory and belief. The cyclical progression of symbols is endless, as they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.