Portrait of Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany 1702 - 1712

This print, engraved by Gérard Edelinck, portrays Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The symbols of power are abundant: the fur-lined cloak, the commanding staff, and most notably, the Maltese cross hanging from his neck and pinned on his cloak. The Maltese cross, with its eight points, has a rich history, pre-dating Christianity. It resurfaces during the Crusades, adopted by the Knights Hospitaller, embodying virtues like loyalty and bravery. In heraldry, it becomes a symbol of nobility and Christian military orders. One sees echoes of this cross in various emblems across Europe. Consider how such symbols persist, evolving from ancient protective talismans to emblems of religious and aristocratic authority. The cross, laden with historical weight, taps into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions and associations with power and faith. It reflects our primal desire for order and meaning. The Maltese cross is not merely an emblem; it is a vessel carrying the echoes of centuries.