Les 144 000 Élus et les Anges retenant les Vents. Apoc. VII 

Facundus painted "The 144,000 Chosen Ones and the Angels Restraining the Winds" in the 11th century. Here, we see celestial beings holding back the winds at the four corners of the earth, a powerful symbol of divine control over nature's chaotic forces. Above them, the chosen ones stand in orderly rows, awaiting judgment. This motif of restraining the winds is ancient, appearing in various forms across cultures, from Greek mythology with Aeolus, the keeper of the winds, to similar figures in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art. The act of binding or restraining, prevalent in magical and religious practices, represents humanity's attempt to control uncontrollable forces, such as fate and destiny. These images tap into our collective memory, embodying the perennial human desire to impose order on chaos. Just as in ancient rituals, this image serves as both a protective measure and a powerful reminder of forces beyond our control. The cyclical progression and evolution of these images highlight the continuous human dialogue with the unseen, re-emerging through time.