Saint Ursula and Her Maidens c. 1475 - 1480

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving of Saint Ursula and her maidens in the late 15th century, a period steeped in religious fervor. Ursula stands crowned, holding a staff, flanked by angels and surrounded by her companions. The crown, a potent symbol of sovereignty, not only denotes Ursula’s royal lineage but also alludes to her spiritual authority. Her staff mirrors the scepters of classical rulers. We see echoes of this motif in depictions of classical figures like emperors and gods, illustrating power and governance. The haloed angels, ubiquitous in Christian art, evoke divine protection and grace. These figures connect to earlier Greco-Roman winged victories, adapted over centuries to carry new religious meanings. In Ursula’s serene gaze, one perceives a blend of regal confidence and spiritual resolve. The story resonates, reminding us of how symbols endure, evolve, and continually reshape our understanding of power, faith, and sacrifice.