Portret van John Thurloe 1736 - 1738

Jacob Houbraken’s portrait of John Thurloe presents us with more than just a likeness; it’s a rich tapestry of symbols woven into the sitter's image. Thurloe is framed by a cartouche, a decorative structure that invites a deeper look at the dance between image and meaning. Beneath the portrait, we find curious symbols: a Medusa-like mask with snakes for hair, a scene of men sealing a pact, and a cherubic figure, each carrying layers of historical and cultural weight. The Medusa, traditionally a ward against evil, here is refigured, her gaze averted, perhaps alluding to hidden knowledge or veiled threats. Similarly, the cherub can be traced back to classical antiquity, and its presence here suggests innocence and divine approval. Consider, for example, the serpent—an ancient symbol of wisdom and deceit that has slithered through countless cultures. This motif, with its capacity to evoke both fear and fascination, transcends time, revealing our collective subconscious. It appears, reappears, and each time it embodies a renewed psychological tension.