The Archbishop of Brindisi 1531 - 1541

Agostino Veneziano etched this portrait of the Archbishop of Brindisi in 1536. Note how the sitter’s gaze is directed slightly off to the side, perhaps indicating his wisdom, and, more obviously, his profession, are influenced by a higher power. Observe the books in the background. The book most forward presents its spine, emblazoned with a cross. Consider how the cross appears in cultures and eras past, such as the ankh in Ancient Egypt, a symbol for eternal life, and how it's used to denote something markedly different here. The cross has resurfaced, evolving from a pagan symbol of immortality into an emblem of sacrifice and salvation. This illustrates how symbols are laden with cultural memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. These forms express a collective psychological undercurrent, subtly influencing our perception of this figure. This is how images and symbols gain power and meaning, evolving through cultural memory.