Heiligenvieringen in november 1667

This engraving, "Holy Days in November," by Jaspar de Isaac, presents us with a window into the sacred calendar of the 17th century. Dominating this symbolic landscape are the saints, each framed by roses, emblems of love and martyrdom. Consider Saint Martin, sharing his cloak with a beggar. This act of charity echoes through the ages, resonating with images of compassion found in various cultures. From ancient Roman depictions of merciful emperors to Buddhist Jataka tales of self-sacrifice, the motif of selfless giving transcends time. Yet, in each iteration, it carries the weight of human empathy. The rose, too, holds layers of meaning. From its association with the Virgin Mary, as a symbol of purity and love, to its darker connotations of secrecy and the ephemeral nature of beauty. The rose evolves, reflecting the shifting emotional landscapes of different eras. These symbols are not static; they pulse with the energy of collective memory, engaging our subconscious on a deep, emotional level. They remind us that the past is not a linear progression, but a cyclical dance of recurring images and emotions.