Bergrede 1824 - 1899

This is Heinrich Vianden’s ‘Bergrede’, an etching that captures Christ delivering the Sermon on the Mount. See how Christ stands, his arms outstretched, a gesture laden with spiritual authority. The open hands, a motif we observe across epochs, from ancient orators to Renaissance depictions of saints, signify not only blessing but also a profound connection between the divine and humanity. Consider the orant position—arms raised in supplication—found in early Christian art within the catacombs. This posture echoes through time, transforming yet retaining its essence of invocation and divine receptivity. The halo, a radiant circle above Christ, also marks his divinity. This symbol can be seen as an adaptation of earlier solar disc motifs associated with pagan deities, adopted and recontextualized to signify spiritual enlightenment and holiness. Such symbols aren't static; they morph through cultural memory, embodying collective hopes and fears. The act of preaching, the raised hand, it all evokes a deep, subconscious response, a recognition of shared spiritual and cultural heritage. Symbols have an uncanny ability to engage viewers on a profoundly emotional level. The Sermon on the Mount is not just a historical event, but a recurring motif within the human psyche.