Embleem met engel die een man wijst op alle goede daden en gaven van God 1620 - 1649

This engraving, made by an anonymous artist, depicts a world saturated with religious and moral allegory. The most striking symbol is the angel guiding the man towards scenes representing divine gifts. This motif of divine guidance is ancient. We see echoes of it in classical art, like Hermes leading souls, and it persists into Renaissance allegories. Here, it serves a didactic purpose, showing the path to righteousness. The beams of light emanating from the heavens, illuminating both charitable acts and scenes of worship, evoke a sense of divine presence that transcends time. Consider the psychological impact of such imagery: the collective yearning for guidance, the subconscious desire for redemption. The motif of the angel acts as a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, reflecting humanity's continuous negotiation with morality and faith.