Portret van François Richardot 1682

This is Nicolas de Larmessin's portrait of François Richardot. Notice the book that Richardot holds. This is no mere object; it’s a potent symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and authority, deeply rooted in religious and scholarly traditions. The book appears throughout art history – think of the ancient philosophers holding scrolls, or the evangelists with their gospels. Each instance carries echoes of the past, a cultural memory of learning and enlightenment. Yet, its meaning shifts: originally a symbol of divine knowledge, it became a tool for human reason during the Renaissance. The act of holding the book is powerful, projecting intellectual prowess and moral authority. It engages our subconscious, reminding us of the weight of knowledge and its potential to shape the world. Like a recurring dream, this symbol evolves, carrying the emotional and intellectual baggage of centuries. It resurfaces, transformed, yet still connected to its origins in the collective human experience.