Watercolor c. 20th century

This watercolor painting of a textile, held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, presents a striking pattern of red crosses and black diamonds against a soft gray backdrop. The cross, an ancient symbol, is deeply rooted in human consciousness. From its primitive use as a directional marker, it evolved into a potent religious emblem of sacrifice and redemption. Here, the bright red hues evoke raw emotion and primal energy, reminiscent of blood rituals and life force. The diamond, with its geometric precision, contrasts this passionate cross. Consider its earlier association with the all-seeing eye in ancient cultures, embodying intellect, clarity, and insight. Together, the cross and diamond become visual reminders of the enduring human struggle to reconcile instinct and intellect. This image, woven with these symbols, engages us on a deeply personal level, stirring the archetypes and emotions buried within our shared cultural memory. Its power resides not only in what we see, but in what we unconsciously feel.