Marie Murer 1877

Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted this portrait of Marie Murer, a member of his artistic circle, with oil on canvas. Dominating the portrait, a cross hangs prominently from Murer's neck. The cross as a symbol predates Christianity, yet here, it most likely stands as a testament to faith and devotion, a visual declaration of Murer's religious convictions. But let us consider the cross beyond its religious connotations. Throughout history, the symbol has taken myriad forms, from ancient solar symbols to emblems of balance. It resurfaces in indigenous cultures and medieval heraldry. In alchemy, the cross signifies the four elements, and in Jungian psychology, the 'self.' The cross acts as a universal archetype deeply rooted in our collective unconscious. Here, it anchors Murer's identity. It's a powerful signifier that speaks to the enduring quest for meaning and connection beyond the self. This quest transcends time, echoing through human history, constantly evolving yet eternally present.