Heilige Familie met Johannes de Doper, Elisabet en twee engelen 1623

Ludwig Büsinck created this drawing of the Holy Family with John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and two angels in the 17th century. It presents an intimate gathering, rich in symbols passed down through centuries of collective memory. Observe the dove held by an angel—a visual echo of the Holy Spirit. This symbol, present in the account of Christ’s baptism, transcends its immediate biblical context. Consider its ancient roots as a symbol of peace and purity, reaching back to Greco-Roman antiquity where it was associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love. The motif reappears across time, shifting in meaning yet retaining its core essence. The dove embodies profound emotional states, reflecting our deepest longings for redemption and spiritual connection. This drawing invites us to explore the persistence of symbols in art and psyche, tracing their non-linear progression through cultural history.