Fotoreproductie van een gravure naar Het visioen van de Heilige Romualdus door Andrea Sacchi in het Vaticaan before 1868

This photogravure captures Andrea Sacchi's "The Vision of Saint Romuald," illustrating a pivotal moment of divine communication. Here, white-robed monks lie in repose, while Saint Romuald receives his vision dictating the founding of the Camaldolese order. The motif of the dream, a powerful symbol of divine inspiration, has roots stretching back to antiquity. Consider Jacob's dream, where angels ascend to the heavens, or even further back to ancient Egypt, where dreams were interpreted as direct messages from the gods. Dreams bridge the gap between the earthly and the divine, and throughout art history, this motif illustrates moments of revelation. Interestingly, the reclining posture, traditionally associated with sleep, is often used to portray a state of receptivity to divine messages. Think of the slumbering disciples in depictions of Christ's Agony in the Garden. This visual language evokes a subconscious connection, compelling the viewer to reflect on the thin veil between our conscious and unconscious minds, a place where the seeds of faith and revelation take root. The dream motif continues to resonate, evolving through various interpretations, yet forever linked to the primal human experience of seeking meaning beyond the tangible.