Reliekhouder met kruisigingsscène en cherubijnen 1714

This is an engraving of a reliquary holder with a crucifixion scene and cherubs, made by Maximilian Joseph Limpach. Observe the radiant sunburst at the top, which is more than mere decoration; it is a symbol of divine illumination, the ultimate source of truth and enlightenment. Recall the ancient sun gods of Egypt and Greece, whose solar discs represented power, knowledge, and life-giving energy. This symbol resurfaces here, transformed through the lens of Christian theology, yet still carrying echoes of its pagan origins. The sunburst invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of symbols – how they are reborn across epochs, laden with layers of meaning. Such visual vocabulary taps into our collective unconscious. It evokes an emotional response, a sense of awe and reverence, passed down through generations. This image is not merely seen; it is felt, resonating with the deepest currents of our shared cultural memory.