Portret van kardinaal Cesare Borgia 18th century

This is an engraving portraying Cardinal Cesare Borgia, though the artist remains unknown. The coat of arms beneath Cesare tells of his family’s power. We cannot underestimate the psychological weight of inherited symbols, emblems that weave through generations, subtly directing the course of human affairs. Consider how such heraldic emblems appear on shields in medieval tapestries and resurface centuries later, perhaps adorning a corporate logo or a political banner. Each iteration carries echoes of past meanings, yet adapts to new contexts, demonstrating the fascinating resilience of symbols across time. These visual cues create a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, stirring deep-seated emotions, and shaping cultural memory. This cyclical progression of symbols reminds us of the non-linear, continuous nature of history, where images resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.