Triomfboog gewijd aan het Geloof before 1664

Sébastien Leclerc created this etching of a triumphal arch dedicated to faith. Above the arch, we see banners emblazoned with religious symbols and Latin inscriptions, flanking an image of the Holy Family. The arch itself, a structure celebrated since Roman times, symbolizes victory and honor. Here, it is not a military triumph but the triumph of faith that is celebrated. Note how the arch form has been used throughout history, from ancient city gates to Renaissance paintings, consistently signifying a passage, both literal and metaphorical. The Holy Family depicted is a powerful symbol in Christianity, representing familial love, piety, and divine grace. This symbol, however, also resonates with ancient Roman values of family and state, repurposed here to emphasize the enduring strength and continuity of Christian belief. This visual echo demonstrates the complex interplay between cultural memory and religious adaptation. The image invites us to reflect on how symbols evolve, how they are charged with new meanings, and how they continue to shape our understanding of faith across time.