Preekstoel met duif van de Heilige Geest en putti 1690 - 1710

This is Gerrit Visscher's rendering of a pulpit, made with etching. Note the descending dove at the very top. In Christian iconography, the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, often depicted with radiant light to signify divine presence and illumination. This motif is found throughout art history, echoing from ancient depictions of doves as symbols of peace and renewal. Consider the dove’s appearance in the story of Noah, or its later adoption as a symbol of divine guidance in early Christian art. The dove’s symbolic journey reflects humanity’s deep-seated yearning for spiritual connection and guidance. The emotional resonance of the dove is palpable, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. Its repeated appearance across centuries and cultures attests to its enduring psychological impact, a testament to the continuous cycle of symbolic evolution.