Heilige met een kruis en een boek 17th century

This small, anonymous print presents a saint, holding a cross and a book, symbols laden with meaning. The cross, of course, represents Christ's sacrifice and the Christian faith, while the book signifies knowledge, scripture, and divine wisdom. Together, they mark the saint as a figure of spiritual authority and learning. Note how the dog lying at his feet, holding a staff, echoes images of Saint Dominic. The globe surmounted by a cross, often seen as a symbol of Christian dominion over the world, is another recurring image. These motifs are not static; they are constantly shifting. The dog, once a simple companion, is now an allegorical emblem of faithfulness and vigilance. Consider how these symbols resonate across cultures and epochs, manifesting differently yet carrying a similar emotional weight. The appeal of these images lies in their capacity to evoke deep-seated feelings of faith, hope, and belonging. These symbols, deeply embedded in our collective memory, continue to evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings across time.