Heilige Maarten te paard 1475 - 1480

The Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet etched this image of Saint Martin on horseback in the late fifteenth century. Note how the saint’s act of dividing his cloak for the beggar is not merely an act of charity, but a profound symbol of shared humanity. Consider the motif of the divided cloak. It echoes through time, resonating with ancient myths of sacrifice and renewal. This very act of giving resurfaces in varied forms across cultures, from the Buddhist tales of selflessness to the Christian parables of compassion. Isn't it compelling how this narrative thread weaves through the tapestry of human consciousness? Psychologically, this image taps into our collective memory, where acts of kindness evoke a deep emotional response. The sharing of the cloak reminds us of our interconnectedness. And with this seemingly simple gesture, it calls upon our subconscious desire for empathy. The motif is a continuous cycle, appearing in new contexts while retaining its fundamental significance.