Tekstblad bij boekillustratie 1723

This print by Roeland van Leuve presents us with a series of churches, their spires reaching towards the heavens, each topped with a cross. This symbol is, of course, a potent emblem of Christianity, representing sacrifice, redemption, and spiritual aspiration. Consider how the cross, in its earliest forms, emerged as a symbol of cosmological significance. From ancient sun wheels to the Egyptian ankh, the cross has marked a point of intersection between the earthly and the divine. Over time, this symbol has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning and adapted into Christianity, where its emotional and psychological resonance became associated with faith and hope. The cross, therefore, is not merely a static emblem but a signifier that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This non-linear progression of the cross resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in each historical context. What we see here is a culmination of this continuous metamorphosis.