Portrait of a man (Etienne Delafons?)

http://data.europeana.eu/agent/19682

This example suggests that the display of Greek letters can be meaningful even if the words are not. The scroll on the table prominently displays a text written in Greek-style letters, but they do not convey any meaning. Given the artist's connection with the Jansenist circles of Port-Royal, the choice to include Greek letters has a cultural significance in itself, and can even be seen as provocative. The Jansenists of Port-Royal held Greek language and culture in high esteem, and this made them the target of attacks by the French Jesuits.