S. Jean Brébeuf 

This is Raúl Berzosa’s depiction of S. Jean Brébeuf. The saint is tied to a stake amidst a scene of martyrdom, with onlookers and symbolic figures above. Here, we see the echo of the crucifixion, transposed onto a new continent. Brébeuf's suffering mirrors the Passion of Christ, a potent symbol of sacrifice and faith. This echoes through centuries, from the early Christian martyrs to Renaissance depictions of saints. The fire, both a tool of torture and purification, holds a primal power, evoking the trials of faith found in various cultures. Note the serene expression on Brébeuf's face amidst the turmoil. This stoicism mirrors the classical ideal of the hero facing adversity, an image that resonates deeply within our collective memory. His gaze toward the heavens suggests transcendence over earthly suffering, an emotional cue that engages viewers on a profound, subconscious level. Thus, the symbols in Berzosa's work—the stake, the fire, the martyr's gaze—are not static. They have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings across time, revealing the cyclical nature of human experience.