Vignet til N. E. Balle "Theses Theologica" 1752 - 1833

Meno Haas etched this vignette for N. E. Balle's "Theses Theologica." Here, we observe cherubic figures in a scene laden with Christian symbols. The dove descending from radiant light embodies the Holy Spirit, a motif rooted in ancient traditions of divine presence. The stone altar, topped with tablets, suggests a sacred covenant, reminiscent of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. The juxtaposition of classical cherubs with such potent religious iconography echoes through art history. We see this visual language repeated, adapted, and reinterpreted across centuries, each iteration shaped by prevailing cultural forces. Consider the dove, which appears in ancient Mesopotamian art, associated with the goddess Ishtar. It resurfaces during the Roman era as a symbol of love and peace. The emotional and psychological resonance of these symbols taps into a collective memory. Observe how the symbols and their synthesis have taken form and meaning through time, influencing this vignette, and continuously resurfacing throughout history.