Dispuut over het Heilige Sacrament (linkerdeel) 1617

Philippe Thomassin created this engraving, "Dispute over the Holy Sacrament," around the turn of the 17th century. Its symbols speak volumes about theological debates of the time. In the upper register, angelic figures hover amidst celestial clouds, a visual shorthand for divine presence. Below, the enthroned figures of Church Fathers engage in deep discourse, their gestures of conviction echoing through the ages. This recalls the ancient Greek philosophers in their quest for truth, minds and bodies converging on the same spot, gesticulating emphatically to convey their perspective to their peers. This can be traced through Renaissance paintings of the School of Athens and the tradition of philosophical and theological debate scenes throughout art history. These gesticulations are not mere movements but ‘Pathosformel’, charged with emotional and psychological intent. They tap into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Note the cycle this image suggests: from historical debates to divine validation and back again, a testament to the enduring power of symbols across time.