Leon II, Queen Guerane, and Their Five Children 

Toros Roslin painted "Leon II, Queen Guerane, and Their Five Children" in the 13th century, capturing a divine blessing upon the royal family. Golden light rains down on the family in the form of red spheres, symbols of prosperity and divine favor, reminiscent of heavenly manna. Consider the act of supplication, visible in the upward gaze and open hands, a universal posture found in countless religious artworks across cultures and eras. From ancient Egyptian depictions of pharaohs receiving divine blessings to Renaissance paintings of saints in prayer, this gesture transcends time, manifesting humanity's eternal yearning for connection with the divine. It echoes through history, transforming and reappearing in secular contexts, such as photographs of people reaching out for help during natural disasters. This shift reflects a broader human experience, a collective memory of reaching out for protection and grace.