Portret van Philippus Nutius (Nuyts), op 52-jarige leeftijd 1579

This engraving by Wierix captures Philippus Nutius at 52 years old. Note the prominent display of Nutius's coat of arms, a heraldic symbol of family lineage and status, and a motif that stretches back to medieval chivalry, where such emblems distinguished knights in battle. The act of displaying a personal emblem speaks to a deep human impulse, one that transcends the centuries. I see echoes of this desire in ancient Egyptian cartouches, framing the names of pharaohs, or even in contemporary corporate logos, each designed to instill a sense of identity and belonging. The symbolic weight carried within these emblems engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking pride, loyalty, or a sense of connection to something larger than oneself. In an ever-changing world, the drive to anchor ourselves to symbols of permanence remains a constant, a recurring echo in the grand gallery of human history.