Saint Gudula 1516 - 1518

Leonhard Beck's woodcut of Saint Gudula presents us with a fascinating interplay of light and darkness, faith and malevolence. Gudula, bathed in divine light, stands firm against the devilish figure attempting to extinguish her candle with a bellows. The candle itself is an ancient symbol, representing enlightenment, truth, and the soul's flame. In this scene, it embodies Gudula’s unwavering faith. The devil's bellows, aimed at snuffing out this light, remind us of the ever-present struggle between good and evil, a theme that echoes through countless mythologies and religious narratives across cultures. Consider, for instance, the Zoroastrian concept of eternal flame, or the flickering candles in Rembrandt's paintings, each symbolizing the fragility of human existence. This visual motif is more than a mere illustration; it evokes a deep-seated psychological resonance. The fear of darkness and the comfort of light are primal emotions, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The symbol of the candle persists, its meaning continuously reshaped by the anxieties and aspirations of each new age.