Heraclius draagt het ware kruis in triomf 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta etched "Heraclius Carrying the True Cross in Triumph" in the late 16th or early 17th century. The image is dominated by the imposing figure of Emperor Heraclius, struggling under the weight of the cross. The cross, of course, is more than mere wood; it represents the burden of sin, sacrifice, and redemption. We see echoes of Christ's Passion, yet here, the Emperor carries the cross in triumph. This is a powerful inversion, where suffering becomes a symbol of victory. Consider how the motif of the burdened hero appears across cultures. Think of Atlas, condemned to hold up the heavens, or the myth of Sisyphus, endlessly pushing a boulder uphill. These images resonate with our collective memory, tapping into the universal human experience of struggle and perseverance. The act of carrying a burden, especially a cross, also brings to mind the psychoanalytic concept of transference, where unconscious feelings are projected onto another object. This image powerfully engages viewers on a subconscious level. The symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.