Jean-Baptiste Colbert 1670

This is Robert Nanteuil’s portrait of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, made using engraving. The image features Colbert in clerical dress encircled by text and trefoil symbols, emblems of the Trinitarian order. The trefoil, ubiquitous in medieval Christian iconography, echoes in other contexts, such as heraldry, where it symbolizes prosperity. Yet, its resonance extends deeper. Consider its likeness to earlier pagan triple deities, echoing in the subconscious, stirring collective memories. Here, this symbol speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols themselves, how they transcend time and space, carrying layers of meaning, shifting and adapting. Like a dream, the trefoil evokes a primordial connection between diverse cultures and epochs, resurfacing in new forms. The psychological weight of such symbols lies in their ability to tap into primal emotions, engaging the viewer on a profound level, and echoing through the corridors of history.