Portret van kardinaal Bernardino Rocci 1675 - 1679

Albertus Clouwet’s engraving portrays Cardinal Bernardino Rocci, amidst symbols of ecclesiastical power, made in Rome, likely around 1675. Look at the coat of arms, each a symbolic ledger of lineage and allegiance, cornerstones of identity in his time. But consider, too, how these symbols echo through history. The eagle, for example, a motif once emblazoned on Roman standards, resurfaces here, transformed yet still resonant with power. It’s a testament to the endurance of symbols, which evolve through cultural memory, shaped by both conscious intent and subconscious forces. This isn't merely heraldry; it's a visual language reflecting the enduring quest for authority, a psychological drama played out on the stage of history. The symbols are not static but cyclical, constantly reappearing and adapting.