Saint Sebaldus and Saint Lawrence c. 1480

This panel presents Saint Sebaldus and Saint Lawrence, rendered with the visual language typical of its time. Note how the artist employs the ancient symbol of the eagle, emblazoned in the center in a heraldic fashion. The double-headed eagle, crowned with imperial regalia, signifies power and dominion extending in two directions, its roots stretching back to antiquity. We see echoes of this motif in the double-headed Janus of Roman mythology, guardian of gateways and transitions, looking simultaneously to the past and the future. Over time, the symbol of the eagle has been used to project authority and evoke primal, psychological responses relating to strength and vision. In the subconscious, the soaring eagle represents aspiration and spiritual transcendence. This image evokes a feeling of awe and reverence, engaging viewers on a deeply rooted level. The cyclical recurrence and evolution of such symbols demonstrate the human quest for meaning and authority throughout history.