Portret van landvoogdes Maria van Hongarije 1546 - 1562

This is Frans Huys's rendering of Maria of Hungary, made with engraving. Consider the book she holds—a discreet symbol of her erudition and piety. Books, as emblems, appear throughout history, from medieval illuminated manuscripts to Renaissance portraits. They signify wisdom, knowledge, and devotion, linking the sitter to a lineage of learning. The Habsburgs were keen on symbols. The globe on Maria’s chest represents the reach and power of the empire. It echoes motifs in ancient Roman art, where orbs symbolized dominion. Like the book, this emblem transcends epochs, reappearing in various guises. These symbols aren't static; their meaning shifts and accrues layers over time. They remind us of the subconscious currents that link us to the past. These symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, reflecting an ever-changing cultural landscape.