Andreas c. 1555 - 1565

This print of Saint Andrew, made with an engraving technique, shows him holding a wooden cross, the symbol of his martyrdom. The cross, of course, is laden with Christian meaning, representing sacrifice, redemption, and a point of intersection between the divine and earthly realms. But observe, this symbol is not unique. We find similar forms – the intersection of lines – in ancient cosmologies, representing the cardinal directions or the meeting place of heaven and earth. Andrew's upward gaze and outstretched hand resonate with gestures of supplication seen in ancient Roman art. A deep-seated desire to connect with the divine is a powerful force that transcends time and culture. The motif of raised hands is also used in the depiction of Orans figures in early Christian art. The image touches something primal and deeply embedded in our collective psyche. As the cross evolved from a pagan symbol to a Christian emblem, it continues to echo a yearning for meaning and connection, ever-evolving and always present.