Maria en Anna met het Christuskind 1827

Johann Nepomuk Strixner created this artwork of Mary and Anne with the Christ Child, capturing a tender familial scene. The halos, luminous circles above their heads, mark Mary, Anne, and the infant Christ as holy figures, steeped in divine grace. Consider how this symbol transcends time. From ancient sun deities to Byzantine mosaics, the halo signifies enlightenment, spiritual power, and divine approval. In early Christian art, only Christ bore a halo, but gradually it extended to Mary and other saints, reflecting their elevated status. The recurring motif of the halo reminds us of humanity's collective yearning for transcendence. It represents the enduring human desire to connect with something greater than ourselves, a beacon of hope shining through the ages, constantly shifting in meaning as it reappears across different cultures and eras. This evokes powerful emotions, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.