Saint Francis Xavier with an angel holding a crucifix 1717 - 1727

This bronze sculpture by Francesco Bertos portrays Saint Francis Xavier accompanied by an angel holding a crucifix. The crucifix, central to Christian iconography, symbolizes Christ's sacrifice and redemption. The angel, a divine messenger, embodies purity and guidance, frequently seen in religious art across cultures, as far back as ancient Mesopotamia. Consider the gesture of Saint Francis placing his hand on his chest – a symbol of piety, devotion and the revelation of inner faith, mirrored in countless devotional images throughout the ages. It echoes, perhaps unconsciously, the gestures of ancient orators and emperors, adapted to convey spiritual authority. This image is more than just religious symbolism, it taps into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions of faith, hope, and the search for spiritual truth, a testament to the enduring power of symbols in our cultural consciousness. It's not a linear progression but a cyclical return, a constant reinterpretation of symbols that resonate across time.