Cardinal Etienne-rené Potier De Gesvres 1758

Pompeo Batoni painted this portrait of Cardinal Etienne-René Potier de Gesvres, and it presents a fascinating display of ecclesiastical power through symbols. The most striking motif is the Maltese cross hanging prominently on the Cardinal's chest. This eight-pointed cross, deeply rooted in medieval Christian iconography, was originally associated with the Knights Hospitaller. Look how it reappears across centuries, initially as a symbol of military and religious defense during the Crusades, and later, as an emblem of nobility and honor. Over time, this symbol has resurfaced in countless contexts, from military orders to corporate logos, constantly evolving, yet always carrying echoes of its past. Batoni’s portrait captures not just a man, but a nexus of historical, cultural, and psychological forces, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Each viewing becomes an act of cyclical return, of reinterpreting the past in the present.