De maaltijd te Emmaüs 1765

Jacobus Buys created this print, "The Meal at Emmaus", depicting a pivotal scene from the Gospel of Luke. The dominant symbol is the burst of light, representing the moment the resurrected Christ reveals himself to his disciples during a shared meal. The light, the symbol of divine revelation, connects to a long line of artworks where light signifies enlightenment or epiphany. Consider Caravaggio's use of light; it is not merely illumination but a divine spotlight. Here, Buys captures not just a visual effect but a psychological awakening. This symbolic language is anything but linear, with each artist reinterpreting these motifs. The shared meal and the revealing light touch upon collective memories, subconsciously reminding us of similar moments of recognition and transformation across cultures. The viewer is drawn into the scene’s emotional intensity, a powerful force that transcends time.