Rinuccini Chapel (basilica of Santa Croce) 1370

Giovanni da Milano painted this fresco in the Rinuccini Chapel, within the Basilica of Santa Croce, depicting potent biblical scenes. Dominating this panel is the halo, a radiant circle behind the heads of Christ and Saint Mary Magdalene, signifying divine light and spiritual power. This motif, stemming from ancient sun worship, found its way into Christian iconography to denote holiness. Observe how the halo reappears across millennia, from early Byzantine mosaics to Renaissance altarpieces, each time imbued with evolving theological nuances. Its cyclical journey mirrors humanity's persistent quest for understanding the divine. The act of Mary Magdalene washing Christ's feet speaks to a powerful dynamic of humility and reverence. Such gestures, laden with emotional and spiritual weight, engage viewers on a subconscious level, triggering profound psychological responses tied to our deepest fears and desires. It is a reminder of the cyclical progression and transformation of symbols.