Portret van Frederik de Vries 1597 - 1667

This is an engraving of Frederik de Vries by an anonymous artist, held at the Rijksmuseum. Note the array of symbols: a boy, a dog, and a bird, each laden with cultural significance. The dog, often a symbol of fidelity and guardianship, serves as a sturdy mount, suggesting a journey or transition. More striking is the bird, perched delicately on the boy's hand, symbolizing freedom, the soul, or perhaps even prophecy. Images of birds appear throughout art history. We can see a similar bird in a completely different context, such as ancient Egyptian art, in which the soul is represented as a bird. This visual echo suggests the idea of the soul's journey through the afterlife. What is conveyed here is not merely a portrait but an exploration of the subconscious themes of loyalty and freedom. These images evoke the collective memory of humanity. This speaks to the emotional undercurrents that resonate through generations. These are not static symbols but living entities that evolve, adapt, and resurface, reflecting humanity's ever-changing psyche.