Fotoreproductie van de Kruisiging van Christus door Antonello da Messina before 1861

Edmond Fierlants made this reproduction of Antonello da Messina's "Crucifixion of Christ" in the 19th century using photography. The dominant symbol is the cross, a universal emblem of suffering and redemption in Christianity, central to the narrative of Christ's sacrifice. Notice how the desolate landscape enhances the emotional weight of the scene. The skull at the foot of the cross is a potent memento mori, reminding us of mortality and the transience of earthly life. This symbol appears in various forms across different times—from ancient Roman funerary art to vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. The motif of the skull taps into a deep, subconscious awareness of death. Its presence evokes a visceral reaction, prompting viewers to confront their own mortality and ponder the spiritual significance of Christ's sacrifice. This image powerfully engages us on a profound, emotional level. The cross and the skull, laden with history, continue to resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings, demonstrating the cyclical progression of symbols in our collective consciousness.