Portret van Johann Lorenz von Mosheim 1780 - 1880

This print portrays Johann Lorenz von Mosheim, created by Theodor Vincenz Poll. Von Mosheim is adorned with symbols of faith and authority. Consider the cross he wears—a powerful emblem throughout history, deeply rooted in religious contexts, it signifies sacrifice and redemption. Yet, this symbol transcends its biblical origins. We see it echoed in ancient cosmologies, representing the intersection of the earthly and the divine. Even in pre-Christian times, similar cruciform shapes appeared, denoting cardinal directions or elemental forces. The cross reminds me of the labrys in Minoan culture, a double-headed axe that also symbolized spiritual authority. From the cross of a Christian cleric to the double axe of a Bronze Age priestess, these symbols possess a staying power, evolving and adapting across millennia. It speaks to the power of visual symbols to engage us on a subconscious level. We are drawn to these images; our minds unconsciously recognize them.