François de Maucroix geflankeerd door de Kerk en Hymen 1728

This etching portraying François de Maucroix, flanked by the Church and Hymen, was created by Bernard Picart. Here, Maucroix stands between the Church, symbolized by a figure holding a cross, and Hymen, the god of marriage, with his torch. These figures represent the societal pillars and divine blessings upon Maucroix. The symbolism invites us to consider the interplay between spiritual authority and earthly bonds. Consider how similar figures recur throughout art history. The cross held by the Church can be traced back to ancient symbols of power and sacrifice. The motif of Hymen, with his torch, echoes through Roman art, where marriage was a key element of civic life. This motif has evolved from representing simple unions to embodying complex social structures. Such depictions touch upon the collective unconscious. These figures, laden with historical weight, are not mere representations but embodiments of enduring human concerns, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. They represent the cyclical progression of symbols, constantly resurfacing and evolving across historical contexts.