The Virgin and Child with St John and His Parents 

Jacob Jordaens offers us, in paint, the Virgin and Child with St John and His Parents. Notice the bird escaping its cage – a potent symbol of freedom and the soul's liberation. This imagery echoes through centuries, appearing in diverse forms and contexts. Think of the ancient Egyptian concept of the soul as a bird, flitting between worlds. Over time, this symbol has morphed, carrying connotations of hope, escape, and spiritual transcendence. The presence of the lamb, a traditional symbol for Christ’s sacrifice, also features prominently, evoking a narrative of innocence and destiny. Such symbols tap into our collective unconscious. The release of the bird stirs feelings of longing and aspiration, engaging us on a profoundly human level. The bird in flight embodies the eternal cycle of death and rebirth, a theme that has preoccupied humanity across cultures and epochs. These symbols undergo constant metamorphosis, reappearing in new guises while retaining fragments of their ancient power. Jordaens masterfully employs this visual language, reminding us of the enduring connections between the past and the present.