Allegorical Figure (Faith?) 1505 - 1561

Pieter Cornelisz Kunst created this Allegorical Figure, possibly representing Faith, with pen and brown ink in the 16th century. Observe how she grasps a crucifix, the very emblem of Christian salvation. Her gesture of the raised hand is evocative of religious oration and proclamation, and her gaze upwards conveys divine inspiration. But note the city behind her, almost an apparition—a worldly presence juxtaposed with her spiritual focus. Consider the enduring presence of the cross throughout history. From ancient symbols of life and nature to its adoption as the ultimate symbol of sacrifice in Christianity, the cross appears in countless forms. Even its association with suffering has roots in pre-Christian practices of crucifixion. This symbol is not static; its power lies in its capacity to adapt and resonate across time, evolving new emotional and cultural depths. Its persistence speaks to our collective psyche.