Le Père Charles de Condren 1600 - 1688

This is an engraving by Claude Mellan, immortalizing Père Charles de Condren. Notice the book held delicately in his hands, a powerful symbol of knowledge and spiritual guidance. This motif echoes through centuries—from ancient Egyptian scrolls to medieval illuminated manuscripts—each iteration reflecting humanity's enduring quest for understanding. The book, a vessel of collective memory, resurfaces in countless forms. Consider how it appears in Jan van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece: Mary reads a book, embodying wisdom and contemplation. Over time, the book has shifted from sacred object to a symbol of secular learning, yet retains its deep-seated association with authority. Here, it also speaks to the subconscious desire for order and understanding in a chaotic world. The act of holding the book is both an intimate gesture and a powerful declaration, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. It reveals the cyclical progression of symbols, continuously evolving and adapting across cultures and epochs.