Portret van Maria, hertogin van Bourgondië 1650

Cornelis Visscher rendered this portrait of Mary, Duchess of Burgundy, in the 17th century, capturing her in a black headdress and a dress adorned with what appears to be a cross. The cross, a symbol of profound religious significance, traces back to ancient times, predating Christianity where it represented various spiritual and cultural meanings. The headdress that Mary is wearing carries its own story of continuity and change, echoing the veils worn by women in classical antiquity. It suggested modesty and piety, and its adoption in Christian iconography reinforced associations with purity and reverence. Such symbols resurface across eras. Just as the emotional weight of the cross influenced this work, so too did the headdress' power. They are not simply aesthetic choices but carriers of cultural memory, evoking emotions and associations that resonate through time.