Portret van Isabella Clara Eugenia, ten halven lijve 1628 - 1670

This is a print of Isabella Clara Eugenia, made by Pieter de Jode II. Her habit, the rosary beads in her fingers, and the book she rests her hand upon, speak to her religious life as a Poor Clare nun. The coat of arms in the upper left, however, hints at her noble origins. Observe the rosary, a string of beads used for prayer, a symbol laden with history. From ancient prayer beads, the rosary evolved over centuries, gaining prominence in medieval Christianity. It has been used in various cultures, to count mantras or prayers, each bead a physical representation of a spiritual act. Notice how Isabella’s contemplative pose engages us, drawing us into a shared space of reflection. This image evokes a powerful emotional and psychological response, connecting us to centuries of devotion. The motifs are not static, but cyclical. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, echoing through the corridors of time.