Hemelvaart 1610 - 1676

This is Marx Anton Hannas’s engraving of the Ascension. Here, Christ ascends to heaven amidst swirling clouds, his arms open wide as a sign of blessing, encircled by a radiant halo. The open arms of the ascending Christ are not new; one can see gestures like this repeated in earlier depictions of emperors and gods. This motif conveys not just power, but also divine grace, a gift freely given. It's a gesture that transcends its immediate religious context. Think of ancient Roman orators, arms outstretched, commanding attention. The act of kneeling, too, is significant. Here, we see the apostles kneeling, their gaze directed upwards, a posture of humility and supplication. This motif has reappeared throughout history, in various religious and secular contexts. In each instance, it evokes a sense of reverence. It is not merely a physical act, but a profound psychological surrender. These symbols echo through time, resurfacing in different guises, each time reminding us of the enduring power of the human psyche to seek meaning and connection.