Portret van Karel III van Croÿ, hertog van Aarschot, op 48-jarige leeftijd 1608 - 1699

This engraving portrays Karel III van Croÿ at 48, though its creator remains unknown. Observe the prominent Order of the Golden Fleece, a symbol of chivalry and prestige. This emblem, charged with historical weight, echoes across centuries, reminiscent of ancient orders and brotherhoods. The Fleece itself, linked to Jason and the Argonauts, appears as a potent symbol across time. The ram's fleece signifies not only heroism but also alchemical transformation and spiritual quest. Consider how the emotional intensity inherent in the quest for the Golden Fleece resurfaces in varied forms. Perhaps, it is seen in religious fervor, or even the pursuit of scientific discovery. Such iconography is not static; it evolves, reflecting humanity’s changing aspirations and fears. The symbolic language in this portrait shows a continuous, cyclical progression, revealing how the past is constantly reinterpreted and reborn in the present.