The Raising of the Daughter of Jairus 1881

Gabriel von Max painted “The Raising of the Daughter of Jairus,” capturing a pivotal moment from the Gospels. The central motif is the hand of Christ reaching out to the girl. It symbolizes divine intervention, grace, and the breaking of earthly boundaries. This gesture transcends its immediate religious context. Think of ancient Roman depictions of emperors extending a hand in clemency, or the Renaissance paintings where a guiding hand signifies divine inspiration. The grasping of hands across time conveys authority, healing, and spiritual connection. In a way, the image speaks to a collective memory of hope, to our deep desire to overcome mortality. The power in this image lies not just in its religious narrative but in its profound psychological resonance. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols—how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.