Portret van de Augustijn Agustín Antolínez aartsbisschop van Santiago de Compostela 1636

Cornelis Galle I created this portrait of Agustín Antolínez, Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, using engraving techniques. The archbishop is depicted wearing a cross, a symbol that carries profound weight. The cross, as a powerful visual symbol, spans across cultures and eras. Its most immediate association is with Christian faith, embodying sacrifice and redemption. Yet, its origins reach back to ancient civilizations, appearing in various forms across different religious and cultural practices. Think of the ankh in ancient Egypt, symbolizing life. The echo of such symbols resonates through time, each culture layering new meanings onto the old. Consider how the emotional weight of the cross has been passed down through history, constantly shifting yet retaining its primal power. Our collective memory imprints it with layers of meaning, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking intense emotional states. This emblem transcends linear time, resurfacing, evolving, and adopting new meanings in diverse historical contexts.