Mirakel van de Slag bij Lepanto, 1571 1610

Theodoor Galle’s engraving captures the jubilation after the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The image is dominated by a procession carrying what appears to be a statue of the Virgin Mary, adorned with a floral crown, suggesting themes of purity and divine intercession. This procession motif echoes ancient rituals of carrying sacred images to invoke protection, a practice stretching back to pre-Christian times. The act of parading an icon through the streets taps into a deep-seated psychological need for communal reassurance during uncertain times, promising safety through collective faith. It is a form of sympathetic magic, where the image’s power is believed to influence reality. The image evokes an emotional response rooted in collective memory, reinforcing social bonds and psychological comfort through shared experience. These symbols remind us that art serves not just as a mirror but as a conduit for cultural memory and shared psychological experiences.