Heilige Radboud van Utrecht before 1650

Frederick Bloemaert’s engraving portrays Saint Radboud of Utrecht, his figure illuminated by a radiant halo. The halo, an ancient symbol of divine light and favor, encircles Radboud, marking him as a figure of spiritual authority. The bishop’s mitre, a pointed headdress, signals his ecclesiastical rank. Notice how this shape, pointing upwards, echoes other symbols in various cultures across time, acting as an antenna to the heavens, embodying the concept of connection to the divine. Consider, too, the gesture of his hand—an open palm, a posture seen across countless depictions of saints and holy figures. This gesture transcends mere depiction, resonating with a deep-seated human desire for connection with the sacred. It is a visual echo that triggers subconscious understanding. This gesture, like the symbols of light and authority, continues to evolve, resurfacing in different forms across centuries.