Madonna and Child between Saints Afra and Ulrich c. 1493

This woodcut, created by Hans Burgkmair, presents the Madonna and Child flanked by Saints Afra and Ulrich, a symphony of symbols deeply embedded in religious tradition. Notice the halos: discs of divine light, marking Afra, Ulrich, Mary, and Jesus as holy figures. These halos are not unique to Christianity, echoing the solar discs of ancient Egyptian deities. Afra holds a martyr's palm, signifying her sacrifice and unwavering faith. Ulrich, with his bishop's staff, represents the church's authority and guidance. The Madonna and Child, central to the composition, embodies maternal love and divine incarnation. This powerful symbol can be traced back to ancient goddesses such as Isis with Horus, reflecting a universal archetype of motherhood and protection. The image evokes deep-seated emotions and collective memories. These symbols carry immense weight, evolving through time. They resurface, transformed, in various cultural contexts, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of archetypal images.