Johannes de Doper met de Eucharistie 1559 - 1618

This engraving by P. Darly depicts Johannes de Doper, John the Baptist, holding the Eucharist. He is bathed in divine light, his raised hand a gesture of blessing. The Eucharist itself, central to Christian communion, symbolizes Christ's body and blood. This gesture of blessing is not unique. Think back to antiquity, to the Roman emperors depicted with a similar raised hand, a symbol of power and benediction. The echo is clear, yet the meaning transforms. Here, it is not earthly authority, but divine grace being bestowed. Consider how these symbols recur throughout history. The halo, a radiant circle signifying holiness, finds its roots in pagan sun worship, adapted and reborn within Christian iconography. The collective memory, the subconscious understanding of these forms, resonates within us, engaging us on a primal level. These symbols are never static. They evolve, adapt, and reappear, carrying layers of meaning across time. The Eucharist, the blessing, the halo – a continuous cycle of transformation.