The Triumph of the Word of God, from the Series Triumph of the Catholic Church (Oil Sketch for a Painting of the same subject) 1610 - 1620

This oil sketch, conceived by Otto van Veen, presents us with the triumph of Catholic ideals, rich in symbolic language. Observe the central figure of Christ on the cross, a potent symbol of sacrifice, flanked by allegorical figures in a triumphant procession. The triumphal chariot motif is a spectacle that evokes ancient Roman triumphs, repurposed here to celebrate the Church's victory. The very act of placing religious figures on a chariot connects the earthly and divine realms, creating a visual metaphor that resonates deeply in our collective memory. Consider the figure of 'Ecclesia' holding a chalice; a direct reference to the Holy Communion. This recalls images of classical goddesses, embodying complex emotional states and aspirations that persist across epochs, resurfacing in myriad forms, each echoing and reinterpreting the past. The symbols in this artwork invite us to contemplate the cyclical nature of images, their uncanny ability to transcend time, and their enduring power to stir the depths of the human psyche.