Omslag voor het Kerstnummer 1893 van 'l'Illustration' 1893

This cover for the 1893 Christmas edition of "L'Illustration" centers on the Nativity, infused with angelic figures. The angels, with their elaborate wings, recall the celestial beings often depicted in Renaissance art, acting as intermediaries between the divine and earthly realms. Notice the star-filled sky above, a motif deeply rooted in Christian iconography, symbolizing divine guidance and revelation. Yet, this symbol has earlier roots, evoking primordial, pre-Christian associations with celestial navigation and fate. Consider the psychological weight of these images; the star, a beacon of hope, contrasted against the unknown darkness of the night. This echoes humanity's perpetual quest for meaning and direction. From ancient pagan rituals to modern secular interpretations, the star maintains its power as a signifier of hope, aspiration, and the cyclical return of light from darkness. It is a recurring motif in our collective consciousness.