Heilige Lucia met twee ogen op bord 1500 - 1575

This is an engraving depicting Saint Lucy, made by an anonymous artist. Lucy, as you see, holds a platter bearing two eyes, a striking symbol referencing her martyrdom, where, according to legend, her eyes were gouged out. Consider how this motif echoes across time. Eyes, often seen as windows to the soul, have been potent symbols in various cultures. Think of the Egyptian Eye of Horus, a symbol of protection and royal power, or the Cyclops, embodying primal, untamed forces. Here, Lucy's eyes evoke themes of sacrifice, faith, and vision, both literal and spiritual. The act of presenting her eyes becomes a powerful testament. This image touches on our collective psyche, tapping into deep-seated fears of blindness, and our admiration for those who maintain faith in the face of adversity. Note how the symbol of the eyes has resurfaced through time, continually evolving, yet retaining its primal ability to evoke profound emotional responses.