Aanbidding door de koningen c. 1600 - 1620

Nicolaes de Bruyn etched this "Adoration of the Kings," a scene laden with symbolism. The gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—speak of kingship, divinity, and mortality, a potent blend that acknowledges Christ's multifaceted nature. But look closer. Notice the laurel wreath. It's not just a classical flourish; it's an echo of Roman triumph, here repurposed to crown a king who embodies spiritual, not earthly, power. This motif, so deeply ingrained in our collective memory, transcends its pagan origins, finding new life in a Christian narrative. Consider also, the way De Bruyn uses light and shadow to highlight the vulnerable figure of the infant Jesus. These contrasts evoke a primal, subconscious response, emphasizing the profound mystery of the incarnation. Such visual cues underscore the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface, transform, and speak to us across centuries.