Twee encyclopedische voorstellingen 1765 - 1806

Johann David Schleuen's 18th-century print presents two scenes rich with symbolic gestures. In the upper register, a procession unfolds, dominated by figures carrying a cross, a potent symbol of faith and dominion, often seen in triumphal entries. This motif echoes through art history, from ancient Roman victory parades to medieval religious processions. The cross, originally a symbol of suffering, here transforms into a banner of power, a psychological assertion of spiritual authority. Note how this echoes in the lower panel, where ships and canons evoke a sense of strategic capability, emphasizing the role of maritime power. Consider the emotional weight carried by these symbols. The act of bearing the cross, whether in religious or secular contexts, taps into a collective memory of sacrifice and redemption. This interplay between religious and secular imagery serves not just to document events, but to evoke deeper psychological responses related to power, belief, and historical destiny. The image becomes a vessel, carrying the weight of cultural memory.