Christus in gesprek met Nikodemus 1610 - 1655

Pieter Fransz. de Grebber's "Christus in gesprek met Nikodemus" captures a meeting cast in the glow of a single candle. The flame, a potent symbol, illuminates not just the figures but also the exchange of ideas between them. The book held by Nicodemus signifies knowledge and law. Throughout time, books have been depicted as emblems of wisdom, from ancient scrolls to illuminated manuscripts. Consider the book here as a vessel, carrying traditions and revelations. The act of holding, presenting, or receiving a book appears in various contexts—from ancient philosophers to Renaissance scholars—signifying intellectual pursuit. De Grebber uses this symbol to delve into the psychological weight of belief, the subconscious struggle between old knowledge and new revelation. The flame, as a beacon of clarity, is also a dance between darkness and enlightenment. The book embodies the yearning for understanding that engages us, surfacing through the ages.