Baptism, from the series The Seven Sacraments 1576

This engraving by Philips Galle, made in the late 16th century, presents the Sacrament of Baptism, rich in symbolic layers. Notice the dove descending from the heavens, a potent symbol of the Holy Spirit. It's a visual echo of the biblical account of Jesus’ baptism, marking divine approval and spiritual cleansing. This motif is not isolated; doves have long been associated with purity and peace, stretching back to ancient mythologies where they symbolized love and renewal. Galle cleverly integrates this symbol with scenes of Noah's Ark and the crossing of the Jordan River. The act of immersion in water, present in both, is a symbol of purification and rebirth. Water as a symbol has crossed cultures; consider the rituals of ablution in various faiths, all pointing to the idea of washing away the old to embrace the new. These symbols, deeply embedded in our collective psyche, evoke a sense of hope, renewal, and divine grace, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. They remind us that symbols never truly die; they merely transform, echoing through time and reappearing in different guises to speak to our deepest selves.