Fire helgener foran et helligt billede 1563 - 1610

This is a red chalk drawing made by Francesco Vanni, depicting 'Fire helgener foran et helligt billede.' Notice the devotional scene featuring the saints beneath a sacred image, framed by cherubs. The use of cherubs, or putti, can be traced back to classical antiquity, where winged infants symbolized divine love and protection. These figures have an enduring appeal, recurring in Renaissance art to evoke innocence and grace. Consider the raised hand of one saint, a gesture seen across cultures, signifying blessing, authority, or supplication. This symbolic gesture connects with ancient Roman art, where emperors were depicted with raised hands to command attention. The cyclical progression of this symbol demonstrates how gestures can be passed down through history, and take on new meanings in different contexts. In each age it is imbued with a sense of the sacred.