Zes fotoreproducties van een publicatie door de Arundel Society met schilderijen door Masaccio before 1869

These are six photo reproductions of paintings by Masaccio published by the Arundel Society. Note the halo above a central figure, a radiant circle that signifies divinity or spiritual illumination, tracing back to ancient sun worship and imperial Roman art, adopted by Christianity to denote saints and divine figures. Consider how this motif evolves: from the solid gold discs in Byzantine icons, representing an unearthly realm, to the more subtle, ethereal glows seen in Renaissance paintings, suggesting inner enlightenment. This transition mirrors a broader shift in cultural focus from the external display of power to the internal quest for spiritual understanding. Such symbols are not static; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This cyclical progression embodies a profound and powerful force.