Resurrected Christ c. 1559

Luca Cambiaso rendered this drawing of the Resurrected Christ in pen and brown ink wash. The triumphant Christ is depicted bearing a banner, a symbol of victory, while extending his other hand in a gesture of benediction, both potent emblems of salvation. Consider the banner, a motif stretching back to ancient Roman vexilla, military standards representing power and conquest. Yet, here, it transcends earthly dominion, becoming a symbol of spiritual triumph over death. This visual echo resonates through time, appearing in countless Christian artworks, each iteration subtly shifting in meaning yet retaining its core message of hope. The raised hand, too, carries echoes of antiquity, from imperial pronouncements to divine blessings. It speaks to an innate human desire for reassurance and guidance. Here, it’s not just a gesture but a bridge connecting the earthly and divine, engaging viewers on a visceral level. The symbol has experienced a cyclical progression, with subtle but significant shifts in its connotations.