Mirakel van de zweetdoek van Veronica 1585 - 1586

Jan Collaert II created this engraving, "Miracle of Veronica's Veil," around the year 1600, capturing a pivotal moment from Christian lore: Veronica offering her veil to Jesus on his agonizing path to Calvary. The veil itself, imprinted with Christ's visage, becomes a potent symbol of divine grace and tangible faith. Note how the gesture of offering, of selfless giving, echoes through countless artistic depictions across cultures. Think of the votive offerings in ancient temples, or the tender gestures of saints in Byzantine icons. Here, Veronica's act transcends a simple offering; it’s a conduit for the sacred. This harks back to the ancient understanding of relics—objects imbued with a spiritual essence. And consider, too, the emotional weight of the suffering Christ, a figure embodying both divine power and human vulnerability. This interplay has resonated deeply within the collective psyche, fueling artistic expression for centuries. The image of the veil continues to evolve, resurfacing in new contexts, demonstrating the cyclical nature of symbols.