Portret van Emmanuel Théodose de la Tour d'Auvergne, kardinaal van Bouillon 1744

This portrait of Emmanuel Théodose de la Tour d'Auvergne, Cardinal of Bouillon, was created by Johann Martin Preissler. Note the Cardinal’s ring, a potent symbol of ecclesiastical authority, a direct link to St. Peter. Consider how the ring has appeared throughout time. In ancient Egypt, it was a sign of power and eternity, later adopted by the Romans as a mark of status and allegiance. The Church transformed it into a symbol of spiritual marriage and unbreakable vows. The ring is more than mere adornment; it's a materialization of psychological power, engaging our collective memory of authority and commitment. These symbols have cyclical life, continually resurfacing and transforming, each era imprinting them with new meanings. The Cardinal’s ring evokes an emotional and intellectual response, subtly influencing our perception of power and sanctity.