Portret van Justus Söffing 1683

This engraving of Justus Söffing was crafted by Johann Jakob von Sandrart in the late 17th century. Söffing is encircled by an oval frame bearing his name and titles, a common Renaissance motif echoing ancient Roman portraiture. The oval frame, a symbol of completeness and eternity, has roots stretching back to antiquity. The Romans used similar laurel wreaths to crown victorious leaders, signifying divine favor and unending glory. In medieval times, the halo evolved from this, representing the divine aura of saints. The use of the oval frame here, around a figure of religious authority, evokes a visual lineage connecting earthly power with spiritual legitimacy. Observe how this circular motif reappears in later secular contexts, such as framing portraits of royalty or esteemed scholars, subtly imbuing them with a sense of timeless authority. This symbol reveals our enduring psychological need to elevate figures of power, linking them to a continuous, idealized past.