St Christopher 

Quentin Matsys painted Saint Christopher here, a legendary figure known for carrying the Christ Child across a treacherous river. The dominant symbol is, of course, Christopher himself, burdened yet resolute, with the Christ Child radiating divine light. The staff Christopher carries is a potent emblem, reminiscent of ancient wanderers and pilgrims. The staff as a symbol of support appears across cultures from the scepter of a ruler to the crook of a shepherd. In some early depictions, it sprouts leaves after Christopher sets foot on dry land. This symbol reminds me of the Rod of Asclepius, entwined with a serpent, emblematic of healing and medicine. It's an image of transformation and renewal. In this case, it becomes a symbol of spiritual awakening. The image engages on a subconscious level because Christopher’s labor is born from a desire to serve others. The water he wades through becomes an emotional current that connects us all. This is more than a painting; it is a continuous resurgence of motifs deeply embedded in our collective psyche.