Nieuwjaarswens van de rondbrengers van het predikbeurtenbriefje 1854 - 1870

This New Year's greeting from the distributors of the sermon register slip was created by Hermanus Honing. The print presents a tableau of distinct visual symbols rooted in Christian iconography. Notice the shepherds receiving the annunciation, echoing across centuries in various forms, from Byzantine mosaics to Renaissance paintings. The shepherd and sheep motif, central to Christian symbolism, recurs in ancient pagan traditions as the ‘Good Shepherd’ image. The angel, a messenger of divine will, connects heaven and earth. Its wings, a symbol of transcendence, mirror the winged figures of classical antiquity, like Nike or Hermes. The angel as a symbol reflects humanity's collective longing for connection with the divine. These symbols are not static; they evolve, blending the old and the new, and resurfacing in different forms throughout history, charged with emotional and cultural significance.