The Blessed Henry Suso Kneeling before Eternal Wisdom 1600 - 1650

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving depicting The Blessed Henry Suso kneeling before Eternal Wisdom. The sacred monogram ‘IHS’ blazes from Suso’s chest, symbolizing Jesus Christ. Above, Eternal Wisdom sits enthroned amidst cherubic figures, holding a scepter, embodying divine knowledge and authority. The motif of a saint receiving divine light is ancient. We see its echoes in depictions of Constantine’s vision before battle and in countless Annunciation scenes. The ‘IHS’ monogram itself, initially a simple abbreviation of Jesus' name in Greek, evolved into a powerful emblem, imbued with layers of theological significance, much like the shifting interpretations of classical deities throughout the Renaissance. Consider how these symbols engage our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations of faith, enlightenment, and divine encounter. This image conveys a powerful sense of religious ecstasy, a testament to the enduring human quest for spiritual understanding. These symbols resurface time and again, evolving and adapting, each time reigniting a deep-seated yearning for connection with the divine.