Triomf van Christus of de Eeuwigheid 1563 - 1567

Philips Galle created this engraving, "Triumph of Christ or Eternity," depicting Christ’s ascension amidst a host of symbolic figures. Note the allegorical figures riding animals, symbols of the Evangelists, that pull Christ's chariot. This motif echoes classical triumphs, where conquering heroes were paraded through Rome. But here, the triumph is spiritual, not earthly. This theme of triumph also appears in the Book of Revelation, where Christ's ultimate victory is prophesied. Consider as well the skeletons in the lower field. They are a Vanitas symbol—a reminder of death and the fleeting nature of earthly life. It is a visual motif meant to provoke contemplation on mortality, something that has been revisited throughout the ages. These symbols engage our collective memory, tapping into humanity’s deepest fears and hopes. The engraving, through its complex symbols, invites us to contemplate our place in the eternal cycle, a deeply psychological and emotional experience.