Portret van Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle 1835 - 1883

Joseph Franck rendered this portrait of Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle in ink, capturing a man of significant religious authority. Granvelle is depicted with a long beard that signifies wisdom and maturity and a clerical robe, signs of his spiritual status as a cardinal. The beard as a symbol of wisdom recurs throughout history, from ancient philosophers to Renaissance sages, embodying experience and knowledge. We see echoes of this motif in depictions of prophets and saints across various cultures. Over time, the beard has shifted in meaning, sometimes representing rebellion or unconventional thinking, yet it consistently evokes a sense of profound insight. This portrait engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cardinal’s intense gaze and dignified posture exude authority, inviting reflection on power, faith, and the human quest for understanding. Such powerful iconography cycles through history, continually finding new forms.