Portret van de dichter Jean Baptist Houwaert c. 1583

This is Wierix’s portrait of Jean Baptist Houwaert, made around the late 16th century. Here, Houwaert is framed by allegorical figures of poetry, music, mathematics, and astronomy. These are not mere ornaments; they represent the breadth of Houwaert's intellect, deeply rooted in classical knowledge. The figures draw on ancient motifs, echoing figures from classical antiquity. This symbolic vocabulary isn't static, though. Take, for example, the laurel wreath worn by the figure of Poetry at the top left. A symbol of victory and honor in ancient Greece, it reappears throughout history, adorning emperors, poets, and athletes alike. Its presence here does more than signal Houwaert's poetic achievements. The wreath connects Houwaert to a lineage of thinkers, reinforcing his intellectual significance. In that sense, images evolve, adapt, and resurface, influenced by collective memory. They possess a psychological weight, capable of engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The motifs are not just symbols, but the cultural, emotional, and psychological echoes of our shared past.