Saint Brigitta? c. 1460 - 1470

This small, early print presents a saint, possibly Saint Brigitta, holding a heart, with Christ on the cross above her. The heart, often associated with divine love and compassion, here symbolizes Brigitta's mystical experiences and the visions that defined her spiritual life. Consider how the heart motif appears throughout history, from ancient Egyptian symbolism to its role as a romantic symbol today. It is interesting to note that the heart has a long, complex history in different times and places; it is believed to have been first drawn in prehistoric times in the shape of a pine cone or seed of the silphium plant. Over time, it has transformed from an anatomical descriptor to a profound emblem of love and devotion. This continuity speaks to the profound impact of symbols on our collective memory, bridging the past and present and demonstrating the non-linear progression of symbols. From a sacred symbol to a secular one, it is an evolutionary journey that illustrates how meaning shifts and adapts across time and cultures.