Heilige Andreas 1639 - 1670

This engraving by Petrus Clouwet depicts Saint Andrew, identifiable by the prominent X-shaped cross. This cross is not merely a symbol of martyrdom; it is a visual echo that reverberates through history. Consider the Labrys, the double-headed axe of Minoan Crete—a symbol of matriarchal power and religious ritual. The X form, at its core, is an intersection, a crossroads where decisions are made, and destinies are forged. Andrew's cross transforms this ancient symbol, encoding it with Christian meaning. Observe also the book he holds. It signifies knowledge, but also the weight of scripture, a burden and a guide. His contemplative pose invites us to ponder the echoes of belief, how symbols evolve, and how the past continually reshapes our present understanding.