Het bezoek van de rijken 1896 - 1900

This subtle pencil drawing by William Degouve de Nuncques shows an angel in a tranquil garden, watched over by rows of beehives. Angels, as messengers between realms, bear a rich, complex history. We see them in early Christian art, guarding sacred spaces and bearing witness to divine events. The flowing robes and outstretched wings of the angel here connect it to classical depictions of winged victories, embodying spiritual triumph and divine favor. The beehives behind add an intriguing layer. Throughout history, bees have symbolized industry, community, and even immortality. Think of the Egyptian belief that bees were born from the tears of the sun god Ra. The emotional power of this image lies in its quiet intensity, evoking a dreamlike state where the earthly and divine meet. It's a testament to how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.