Bruiloft te Kana 1573

This is Philips Galle’s engraving of the Marriage at Cana, now held at the Rijksmuseum. At the center, we see the miracle unfolding: water being transformed into wine. Consider the vessels. Note the large jars at the forefront, symbols of potential and transformation. These aren’t mere containers; they echo ancient amphorae, vessels of life and sustenance, harking back to Dionysian rites of transformation. The act of filling them is more than service; it's participation in a sacred act of renewal. In earlier Roman art, wine was depicted as a symbol of revelry and release; here, it is recast. This symbol has undergone a fascinating metamorphosis, embodying spiritual richness and divine favor. This is how symbols evolve; they are never static, constantly absorbing new cultural energies, and reflecting our deepest desires and beliefs.