Portret van Peter Stromer 1643 - 1680

This is Johann Friedrich Leonard’s portrait of Peter Stromer, an engraving rich with symbols of status and authority. The prominent crosses adorning Stromer's attire are not merely decorative; they echo symbols of power and faith found across medieval Europe. Consider the cross as it appears on crusader banners and royal regalia: it is a potent emblem of spiritual and temporal dominion. Yet, even earlier, the cross marked boundaries and sacred spaces, a lineage stretching back to ancient cosmologies where the cross symbolized the intersection of the earthly and divine. Over time, the cross has been adopted and adapted, shifting from a sign of religious significance to a marker of identity. The enduring power of this symbol lies in its ability to evoke deeply rooted cultural memories. As we gaze upon Stromer, adorned with this timeless emblem, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of symbols, forever resurfacing.