Christus als Salvator Mundi before 1648

This is "Christus als Salvator Mundi," an engraving made by Christoffel van Sichem II. Here we see Christ as Savior of the World, his raised hand in blessing, a gesture echoing across centuries from ancient Roman oratory to Byzantine religious art. Note the orb he holds, surmounted by a cross, a symbol of dominion over the earth reclaimed by Christianity. This globe, a motif of earthly power, reminds us of emperors and kings depicted in possession of the world. Consider the psychological weight of such symbols, their power to evoke awe, fear, and reverence. These images are not static; they evolve. What was once an emblem of imperial command is transformed into a sign of spiritual authority. This visual language is deeply embedded in our collective memory, an endless return and transformation of forms.