Leven van kardinaal Carlo Borromeo c. 1604

This anonymous print depicts scenes from the life of Cardinal Carlo Borromeo, framed around a central image of the kneeling saint. The halo, a universal symbol of sanctity, immediately marks Borromeo’s divine status within the Catholic Church. Note the recurring image of the crucifix. This isn't merely a symbol of Christ's sacrifice; it's a potent reminder of suffering and redemption, echoed in Borromeo’s own acts of charity and self-denial. Consider the “Ecce Homo” motif from earlier art, where Christ is presented, wounded, to the masses. The emotional weight is similar—a call to empathy, to acknowledge human suffering. The presence of the crucifix is a constant throughout history, from ancient Roman depictions to modern interpretations. This symbol is a testament to the enduring power of shared imagery in shaping collective memory. The emotional intensity of the image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of these symbols has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.