Briefkaart aan August Allebé Possibly 1885

This is a postcard to August Allebé, sent at some point in the late 19th century. Note the Italian insignia, a crowned Savoy cross, the emblem of the Italian monarchy at the time, and a symbol with roots stretching back to the Crusades. The cross, a potent symbol of sacrifice and redemption, appears in numerous contexts, from the banners of medieval knights to the Red Cross emblem of humanitarian aid. Its appropriation by the Savoy monarchy speaks volumes about their quest for legitimacy and divine sanction. This potent image reappears in the visual culture of Europe. Observe how such symbols persist, undergo metamorphoses, and are imbued with new layers of meaning. Each recurrence is a testament to the enduring psychological resonance, a continuous thread in the tapestry of cultural memory.