Clara van Assisi, geknield in gebed 1863

Auguste Danse created this print of Saint Clare in prayer, and it resides in the Rijksmuseum. Clare kneels, hands pressed together—a universal gesture of supplication that echoes through time. This act, with roots stretching back to antiquity, appears in countless forms. We see it even in ancient Roman art, where figures raise their hands to the gods in a similar posture, seeking favor or expressing devotion. The opened book at her side is also a recurring motif; it's a symbol of divine wisdom and knowledge, seen in depictions of evangelists and scholars throughout the ages. Consider the psychological weight of this image. The posture of prayer, the soft light, and the solemn setting create a powerful sense of introspection. It's a reflection of humanity’s timeless search for meaning and connection, a theme that continues to resonate across cultures and generations. In essence, these symbols are not static; instead, they are dynamic carriers of cultural memory, constantly adapting and resurfacing in new forms, inviting us to reflect on our shared human experience.