Godslampen 1857

This is a preparatory sketch of Godslampen or church lamps by Pierre Cuypers. These hanging lamps feature quatrefoil designs, which are significant symbols of the four evangelists and the four corners of the earth, reflecting medieval Christian iconography. The quatrefoil, with its four-lobed form, is a motif that echoes through various eras. We see similar forms in Gothic architecture, adorning cathedrals to create a sense of sacred space. Looking back even further to ancient Greece, the concept of the symmetrical four can be found in various cosmological diagrams representing order and balance. The emotional resonance of these forms may stem from a deep-seated human desire for symmetry and order. The quatrefoil, recurring across centuries and cultures, evokes a sense of the eternal, tapping into a collective memory that is both cultural and deeply personal. The symbol's persistence is a testament to its emotional and psychological power, engaging us on a subconscious level and embodying our hopes for order. Thus, the enduring presence of these shapes reminds us of the continuous dialogue between past and present, revealing how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.