Verschillende figuren en bezigheden 1827 - 1894

This print, made by M. Hemeleers-van Houter, presents several scenes from everyday life. Let's focus on the image showing Saint Nicholas, laden with gifts, riding a horse as presents fall behind him. The figure of Saint Nicholas here carries echoes of ancient gift-bearing deities, a visual lineage extending back to figures like Jupiter bestowing blessings upon mortals. This image, however, isn't merely a benign depiction of generosity. It is a potent symbol, deeply rooted in cultural memory. Consider how similar motifs appear across cultures: the cornucopia of Roman goddesses, the overflowing sacks of harvest deities. These symbols tap into a primal desire for abundance, security, and the hope of divine favor. Psychologically, these images trigger a sense of nostalgia, linking us to an idealized past where needs were met, and fears were allayed. The cyclical nature of these symbols is striking. Just as ancient gods bestowed gifts, Saint Nicholas reappears each year, resurrecting these deep-seated feelings. This isn't a linear progression, but a spiral, forever returning to the same archetypal source, each time colored by new historical and cultural contexts.