De Wonderbare Spijziging (rechterdeel) 1535 - 1601

This is a section of Giovanni Battista Cavalieri's engraving, ‘The Miraculous Feeding’, made in the late 16th century. Notice the figures gathered around Christ, their faces a mixture of awe and hunger. This scene depicts the moment when Christ multiplied loaves and fishes to feed a multitude. Consider the hand gestures prevalent in the image. These expressive movements are not merely illustrative; they are ‘pathos formulas’, intended to evoke specific emotions. See the hands reaching out, embodying supplication, and compare this with similar gestures of entreaty in ancient Roman art. The gestures speak to a deep human need that transcends time. Even the act of feeding carries profound symbolic weight. Throughout history, the sharing of bread has signified communal bonds, sacrifice, and divine grace. Think of the Last Supper, or even ancient harvest rituals. These all tap into a collective memory, shaping our understanding of this scene on a subconscious level. Ultimately, this image reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, yet their emotional core persists.