Christus aan het kruis, aan weerszijden Maria en Johannes c. 18th century

This print shows Christ on the cross flanked by Mary and John, a scene laden with symbols that resonate across time. The crucifix, of course, is central. The cross itself, once a symbol of Roman oppression, transforms into an emblem of salvation, a testament to spiritual victory over earthly suffering. Observe Mary, her hands clasped in sorrow, a gesture echoing countless depictions of grief. Consider the ancient Roman images of veiled figures mourning the dead; this posture transcends culture, tapping into a universal expression of loss. The halo, a later addition to Christian iconography, signifies divinity, yet its origins lie in pagan sun worship and the nimbus of emperors. Thus, the halo is not purely Christian. Instead, it is a potent example of how visual symbols migrate and adapt, carrying layers of meaning from one era to the next. These images remind us that the life of symbols is cyclical, each motif continually reborn, its essence shifting with the tides of history.