Heilige Lucas schildert Maria met Kind 17th century

Elizabeth de His crafted this engraving portraying Saint Luke painting the Virgin and Child. Observe the prominent halo, a symbol of divine light and sanctity, encircling the heads of the holy figures. This motif of the halo, an ancient symbol, transcends cultures. We find its roots in pre-Christian art, where it signified power and divinity, notably in depictions of sun gods. It reappears in Roman art as an attribute of emperors, signifying their divine right to rule. The Christian adaptation imbues it with a spiritual significance, representing divine grace. Consider how the halo has evolved, shifting from a symbol of earthly power to one of spiritual enlightenment. This evolution reflects a collective yearning for the divine, manifesting in our art across millennia. The image taps into a deep-seated, primal desire to connect with the sacred. This is a testament to art's power to resonate with subconscious and universal human experiences.