The Resurrection 1512 - 1542

Bernard van Orley etched "The Resurrection," depicting Christ's emergence from the tomb. The dominant symbol is Christ himself, radiant and triumphant, holding a cruciform banner—a potent emblem of victory over death. This imagery echoes through time, recalling ancient Roman emperors depicted with similar standards, symbols of military triumph, and divine sanction. Here, the motif is transformed: the cross replaces the Roman standard, signifying spiritual rather than earthly conquest. Observe the fleeing soldiers; their disarray heightens Christ’s serene power, a visual representation of divine order overcoming mortal chaos. The emotional resonance lies in the hope and renewal offered by the Resurrection, tapping into a deep-seated human desire for triumph over mortality. This powerful image continues to resurface, evolving and adapting through history, bearing witness to humanity's enduring quest for meaning and salvation.