The night in Brun's hermitage c. 1884

Wilhelm Steinhausen rendered this scene of Brun’s hermitage in delicate strokes. The most striking symbol here is the figure with the cross, standing in the shadows of the cave. It is a symbol of faith and suffering, but also of redemption, resonating deeply within Christian iconography. I am reminded of the ancient motif of the "Christ-like" figure. Its origins are in the pagan world as a symbol of sacrifice and renewal. Think of Mithras slaying the bull, an act of cosmic sacrifice that brings life. Over time, this motif evolved, finding its most powerful expression in the figure of Christ on the cross. The emotional weight of this image lies in the contrast between the figures: one in despair and the other lying in the bed, juxtaposed with the promise of salvation held by the figure with the cross. This triangulation of despair, suffering, and hope is a powerful force, one that engages viewers on a subconscious level, stirring deep-seated feelings of vulnerability and resilience. In Steinhausen's artwork, the promise of divine intervention resurfaces.