Portret van Luis Mendez de Vasconcellos 1726

Laurent Cars created this portrait of Luis Mendez de Vasconcellos using engraving. Note the prominent Maltese cross worn by the sitter. This emblem, deeply associated with the Knights Hospitaller, speaks of protection, charity, and defense. Recall the cross's ancient origins, predating even Christianity. It echoes symbols of the cosmos, the four cardinal directions, and perhaps even the human form itself. Over time, it became synonymous with Christian virtues. We see similar crosses in ancient Coptic textiles, medieval heraldry, and even contemporary national flags, each instance carrying echoes of past meanings while adapting to its present context. Isn't it fascinating how such symbols resurface, transformed yet recognizable, throughout history? It's as though our collective memory insists on their reincarnation, imbuing them with renewed psychological power. This portrait is more than just a depiction of an individual; it's a node in a vast network of visual memory, continuously reshaped by cultural currents.