Het Christusmonogram geflankeerd door twee engelen 16th century

This engraving features the Christogram IHS, a potent symbol in Christian iconography, flanked by two angels. The letters, derived from the Greek spelling of Jesus' name, are here stylized with elaborate scrolls, embodying the divine made manifest. Angels, those winged messengers of God, appear across cultures, from ancient Assyrian lamassu to Renaissance art, often mediating between the earthly and divine realms. Their outstretched arms evoke a sense of protection and benediction. The gesture is universal, appearing in pagan and Christian art as an invitation to the sacred, engaging our subconscious with its promise of safety and welcome. Consider the ancient Roman depictions of emperors with raised hands and notice the visual and conceptual similarities. Such continuities reveal how powerful images can be, transcending time and adapting to new cultural contexts. The IHS monogram encircled by divine light isn't merely a religious emblem; it's a testament to humanity's enduring quest to visualize the intangible, a quest that eternally resurfaces in myriad forms.