Christus predikt tot zijn discipelen 1590 - 1622

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert's engraving depicts Christ preaching to his disciples, a scene rich with symbols echoing through the ages. The most striking is the raised hand of Christ, a gesture we see repeated in antiquity, in images of emperors and philosophers. Here, it signifies divine authority and benediction, yet its roots lie deeper, in the classical world's emphasis on rhetoric and persuasion. Notice how this gesture reappears, transformed, in countless contexts, from blessings to political pronouncements. Consider also the tree under which Christ sits. It evokes the Tree of Knowledge, now refigured as a source of divine wisdom. It is a powerful motif that taps into our collective memory, reminding us of humanity's perennial quest for knowledge and understanding. It is a cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving in different historical contexts. The emotional weight of these symbols engages viewers on a subconscious level, triggering deep-seated cultural memories and psychological associations.