Portret van de Augustijn Aleixo de Menezes, aartsbisschop van Goa en Braga 1636

This is Cornelis Galle I’s print of Aleixo de Menezes, Archbishop of Goa and Braga. Note the carefully constructed frame, adorned with stylized floral motifs. These are not mere decorations; they evoke the cyclical nature of life and spiritual rebirth. See how the floral elements mirror those found in ancient Roman sarcophagi. This highlights the Archbishop's spiritual authority, connecting him to a lineage of leaders both sacred and secular. Below, the grotesque mask is a potent symbol. These masks were believed to ward off evil spirits, but here it seems to guard the archbishop. The mask's presence creates a tension, reminding us of the hidden, darker aspects of power and the constant battle against malevolence. The image resonates with our collective memory, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. The emotional impact stems from the archetypal struggle between good and evil, protection and threat, themes that transcend time. These symbols are not linear, but cyclical, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across historical contexts.