Epitaaf met portret van Bernhard von Zech 1720 - 1733

Martin Bernigeroth created this etching of Bernhard von Zech. The portrait is framed by symbolic elements that speak volumes about status and commemoration. At the bottom, the heraldic shield, flanked by what appear to be skulls, represents family lineage and perhaps a memento mori, urging reflection on mortality. Above, cherubic figures with trumpets herald von Zech's importance, echoing classical motifs of fame and divine favor. Note how such cherubic figures have their roots in the winged victories of antiquity, reappearing throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Their presence reminds us of humanity's enduring desire to link earthly power with celestial endorsement. The crown at the very top represents this as well. These symbols, deeply embedded in our collective memory, elicit a powerful emotional response, connecting us to ancestral traditions of honor, remembrance, and the transient nature of life itself. The visual language reflects a cyclical progression, reminding us of how symbols resurface, evolve, and adapt across different historical contexts.