Portret van Lodewijk van Oostenrijk 1808 - 1868

Carl Mayer created this portrait of Lodewijk van Oostenrijk using steel engraving. Lodewijk is adorned with decorations, prominent among them the cross, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography. This symbol, initially representing sacrifice and redemption, finds echoes in ancient Roman standards. The eagle on the brooch also tells a tale of power and imperial authority, reminiscent of the Roman Empire's ubiquitous use of the eagle as a symbol of its dominion. The cross has appeared on battle standards, religious icons, and the breasts of royalty, each time carrying a freight of meaning reshaped by the ages. The image of Lodewijk, bearing these symbols, is a powerful statement, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level with the emotional and psychological resonance these symbols have accumulated over centuries. The non-linear, cyclical progression of these symbols continues as it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.