Portret van Johann Erasmus Seiffert von Klettenberg 1698 - 1713

Here, Pieter Schenk’s portrait of Johann Erasmus Seiffert von Klettenberg, made around 1700, presents us with symbols steeped in power and prestige. Note the coat of arms in the upper-left corner, a visual declaration of lineage and status, reflecting the sitter’s place within the social hierarchy of his time. Consider the cross held delicately in his hand. A symbol of faith, yes, but also one of authority and divine right, its presence in a portrait resonates with the ancient scepter. We find echoes of this motif throughout history, from the priestly rulers of antiquity to the modern day. This cross reminds us of how symbols survive, passed down through history, evolving in meaning, yet forever tethered to their origins. These symbols engage us on a deep, subconscious level. It’s as if the collective memory embedded within these images speaks to something primal within us, conjuring feelings of respect, awe, and perhaps even a touch of fear. This image has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings throughout different historical contexts.