Monnik van de orde van Jakobus met het Zwaard after 1526

This is an engraving of a Knight of Santiago with Sword, made by an anonymous artist. Observe the sword the monk holds. It is a potent symbol of spiritual warfare and moral authority. The sword, throughout the ages, has been a recurring motif, transitioning from a mere weapon to a symbol of power, justice, and sacrifice. Consider, for instance, the Archangel Michael, often depicted with a sword, representing the triumph of good over evil. The imagery of the sword can also be found in the Nordic sagas, where it represents the heroic struggle and fate. What is more, the act of pointing to the left becomes a performative gesture, indicating not just direction but also intention, the will to act upon the world. Think of John the Baptist, similarly posed, calling for repentance. The emotional weight of the image lies in its evocation of duty, an internalized ideal that transcends time and resurfaces in different epochs, forever binding humanity in a collective striving for meaning and purpose.