Design for an altar table surmounted by a crucifixion 1850 - 1900

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise designed this altar table surmounted by a crucifix with watercolor and graphite, rendering a space for the most sacred of rituals. The cross, prominently displayed, isn't merely a symbol of Christ's sacrifice; it's a potent intersection of the divine and the earthly. Its echoes reverberate through time, from ancient sun wheels symbolizing life's cyclical nature to the Roman instrument of execution, transformed into an emblem of hope. In this design, the cross is intentionally placed, inviting contemplation on salvation and spiritual transcendence. Beneath, heraldic symbols flank the altar, anchoring it to earthly powers and lineage. A heraldic lion—often symbolizing courage, nobility, and royalty. The lion is a very ancient symbol, reappearing in the bible and Greek Mythology. Consider how such symbols persist, transmuted across epochs, embedded in our collective consciousness, shaping our understanding of power, faith, and the human condition.