Portrait of Hendrick van Thulden 1690s - 1700s

This engraving by Jacobus Coelemans depicts Hendrick van Thulden, framed by a laurel wreath interspersed with iris flowers. The laurel, a symbol of victory and honor since ancient Greece, crowns the sitter with an aura of distinction. Now, consider the iris. In this context, it’s not merely decorative; the iris has historically signified faith, hope, wisdom, courage, and admiration. We see echoes of the iris across time, from ancient Egyptian art, where it represented eloquence, to Renaissance paintings, where it was associated with the Virgin Mary. This flower has evolved, carrying cultural and spiritual significance through the centuries. Such symbols are not static; they are a palimpsest of meaning, each layer reflecting the collective memory of generations. The wreath, an emotionally charged emblem, engages us on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of symbols like the laurel and the iris highlights how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.