Lam omringd door de evangelistensymbolen 1751 - 1816

This small engraving by Reinier Vinkeles, made around the late 18th century, presents us with a rich tapestry of Christian symbolism. Here, the Lamb of God rests atop an altar, framed by the symbols of the four evangelists: the angel for Matthew, the lion for Mark, the ox for Luke, and the eagle for John. These symbols, deeply rooted in early Christian iconography, evoke a sense of divine authority. The lamb, a timeless symbol of innocence and sacrifice, is placed centrally. Yet, observe how these figures have traversed through time. The lion, initially symbolizing courage and royalty, has been adopted by Mark to denote the power of Christ's word. Similarly, the eagle, long associated with vision and spiritual ascent, now embodies John’s lofty theological perspective. Such visual adaptations aren't mere coincidences; they highlight our collective unconscious, subtly shaping our understanding and emotional response. The arrangement invites us to delve into the powerful forces of faith, sacrifice, and spiritual insight engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. These archetypes resurface, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.