Triomftocht van Christus met figuren uit het Oude en Nieuwe Testament 1687 - 1694

Nicolas de Larmessin's "Triumph of Christ" engraving presents a procession brimming with figures from both the Old and New Testaments. Dominating this spiritual parade is Christ, leading a group of saints and martyrs, each carrying symbols that tell of their faith and suffering. Note how Saint Lawrence carries the grill, an instrument of his martyrdom, a stark reminder of sacrifice. This symbol, like many others here, transcends its immediate context. In ancient Roman art, processions often celebrated military victories; here, Larmessin inverts that tradition, celebrating spiritual triumph over earthly suffering. The procession, a motif that has been seen in pagan and religious practices, is a powerful representation of collective identity and shared beliefs. The emotional power of this image lies in its evocation of shared human experiences of faith, suffering, and triumph, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of symbols.