Kroning van Maria door twee engelen 1833 - 1880

This print by Auguste Numans depicts the Coronation of the Virgin, capturing the moment two angels crown Mary as Queen of Heaven. The crown, a potent symbol of royal authority, also alludes to Mary's unique role within the celestial hierarchy, a concept that has roots stretching back to ancient goddess worship. The act of crowning, seen here, isn't isolated; it echoes in various cultural traditions, from the crowning of monarchs to the honoring of deities. Consider the halo, an alternative symbol for the divine; it transcends Christianity, appearing in Buddhist art to signify enlightenment, demonstrating how visual symbols migrate and adapt across cultures. The motif of the coronation engages our collective memory, tapping into a deep-seated human desire for order and reverence, and speaks to our own subconscious yearning for higher meaning, and perhaps even a touch of divine grace. Thus, the coronation motif, with its layers of meaning, continues its dance through time, constantly reappearing, evolving, and reminding us of the enduring power of images.