Gezicht te Overzande op Zuid-Beveland c. 1700 - 1800

This anonymous drawing captures Overzande in Zuid-Beveland, presenting us with a serene village scene dominated by the church at its heart. Rising above the thatched roofs, the church is topped with a cross, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography, representing faith, sacrifice, and redemption. The cross, however, is not confined to Christian art alone. Its origins trace back to ancient cultures, where it appeared as a symbol of cosmic balance or life itself. Think of the Egyptian Ankh, a loop-topped cross embodying eternal life, or the solar crosses found in various pre-Christian traditions, signifying the sun's cyclical journey. In this village scene, the cross is not merely a religious emblem but a visual anchor, reminding us of the church's central role in the community and its connection to something greater. It serves as a symbol of spiritual and communal identity. Over time, the cross evolves, transcending religious boundaries, reminding us of the enduring human quest for meaning and connection.