Portretbuste van Pierre de Villiers omgeven door allegorische figuren 1716

Bernard Picart created this print portraying Pierre de Villiers, surrounded by allegorical figures. Justice, with her sword and scales, stands to the left, a symbol echoing ancient Roman depictions of virtue. She embodies moral integrity, but is this portrayal merely a superficial nod to traditional values? Across time, we see this figure reappear, sometimes as blindfolded, other times, like here, with her gaze open, suggesting a more conscious, perhaps biased, application of justice. To the right we see Prudence with a mirror, reflecting truth and wisdom. The cherubs add another layer, reminiscent of classical cupids, their presence underscoring themes of love and inspiration. These motifs, drawn from classical and Renaissance art, engage our collective memory, evoking subconscious associations with justice, wisdom, and divine inspiration. Ultimately, the cyclical progression of these symbols reveals how they resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings across different epochs.