Portret van Justin Herdesian op 62-jarige leeftijd 1646

This portrait of Justin Herdesian at age 62 was crafted by Sebastian Furck through engraving. The image is rich with symbols of status and virtue. Note the book, likely a symbol of wisdom and learning, upon which Herdesian rests his hand—a gesture that speaks to his engagement with knowledge and intellectual pursuits. The familial crest above him is a nod to lineage, an emblem of the values and history he carries. A crest, like an emblem, isn't just a mark, but a dense package of identity. The sword, hanging to his side, is a sign of power and authority. The sword, initially a tool of war, evolves across time into a symbol of justice. Like the Roman Gladius, or the ceremonial swords of medieval knights, it connects to a collective idea of masculine power and authority. Consider how these symbols trigger deep-seated cultural memories, engaging us in a dialogue between past and present, hinting at the complex interplay between personal identity and historical context.