Portret van István More 1645

Elias Widemann engraved this portrait of István More around 1640. Note the feather on his cap, a subtle yet potent symbol. In antiquity, feathers were linked to solar deities, rebirth and ascension. Observe the plumed helmets in ancient Greek art or the feathered headdresses of indigenous American cultures. Over time, it evolved into an emblem of status and bravery, particularly among European aristocracy and military ranks. Such symbols are not static; their meanings morph and adapt. Consider how a feather, once a sacred attribute, became a fashionable accessory, demonstrating the layered, non-linear progression of cultural symbols. This constant shifting reflects the powerful subconscious forces that shape our collective memory. The feather reminds us how symbols are continuously reborn, carrying echoes of the past into the present.