[fourteen] Saint Andrew's Cross

“The princess in standing upright in the center of a St. Andrew’s cross, which is revolving around her with its eddies of courtiers, maids of honour, animals and fools.” (page 13)

I was intrigued by Foucault’s use of “St Andrew’s cross” in this passage instead of using something more mundane like “the princess is standing upright in the center of an [X]”. I did a little research and found that Saint Andrew was a close follower of Jesus and was crucified on a cross that resembled an “X” rather than the “t-like” cross Jesus was crucified on. After his crucifixion, St Andrew’s cross became the emblem of many military and political flags in Europe including the Spanish Navy during the time of Velasquez. The Princess’ father, Philip IV was an avid patron of the Spanish Naval fleet during his reign, so he possibly used the naval flag emblazoned with St Andrew’s cross. Foucault’s description is also an interesting parallel to the later life of Margarita Teresa (the Princess), when she became Holy Roman Empress with her marriage to her uncle, Leopold I/The Holy Roman Emperor. Since the St Andrew’s cross is such a strong compositional element within Velasquez’s painting, I wonder if the painter had any inkling to the Princess’ future title of “Holy Roman Empress” as well as the possible link between King Philip IV and his work with the Spanish Royal Navy.