Portrait of Wojciech Męciński 

Angelica Kauffmann painted this portrait of Wojciech Męciński using oil on canvas. Consider Męciński’s delicate pendant. Though small, this cross speaks volumes about the shifting currents of faith and identity. It echoes the ancient symbol of the cross, dating back to pre-Christian times, and adopted to represent sacrifice and redemption. We find the cross in early Christian art, adorning catacombs and imperial standards, and later, prominently displayed during the Crusades. Yet, its presence here, subtly placed against the backdrop of Enlightenment ideals, suggests a more personal, perhaps even conflicted relationship with traditional religious symbols. The cross evolves, becoming a marker of heritage, subtly expressing identity within the shifting landscapes of belief. It’s this tension—between tradition and modernity, faith and reason—that gives the piece its emotional depth. We are reminded that even in the age of reason, ancient symbols continue to resonate, shaping our perceptions and emotions in ways we may not fully comprehend.