Portret van Johann Geyso 1651

This is Pieter de Jode II’s engraving of Johann Geyso. Here, we see Geyso encircled by symbols of power and status: armor, flags, and a harp, representing military prowess and cultural refinement. Above him, a coat of arms signifies lineage and authority, while the inscription emphasizes his titles. Yet, it is the crescent moon with a star, appearing on the coat of arms, that calls for our attention. This symbol, often associated with Islam, appears here in a European context, revealing a complex interplay of cultural motifs. The crescent and star, which goes back to the ancient Near East, evolved through various cultures, appearing in different forms and meanings. Here, in Geyso's portrait, its presence might allude to military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire, or perhaps a fascination with the exotic ‘Orient’. It becomes a potent emblem, charged with historical weight, embodying the ever-shifting relationship between East and West, and the way symbols adapt and transform across time.