Ontwerp voor illustratie voor De Kolossus der Negentiende Eeuw door P.J. Andriessen (Textill., blz. 86); scène uit het leven van Napoleon 1877 - 1942

This drawing, made by George Lodewijk de Wetstein Pfister, depicts a scene from the life of Napoleon. Here, the most dominant symbol is the cross emblazoned on the coffin. The cross has served as an emblem of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption through millennia. Its adaptation by early Christians transformed it into a symbol of faith, hope, and salvation, deeply embedding it within the collective psyche of Western culture. Yet, beyond its religious connotations, the cross possesses a primal resonance, perhaps echoing the ancient symbolic representation of the tree of life, rooted in the earth yet reaching towards the heavens. In this somber scene, Napoleon stands, hat in hand, as a symbol of finality, loss, and the transience of earthly power. The presence of the cross taps into deep-seated emotions, connecting the viewer to universal themes of mortality and the human condition. It transcends mere religious iconography, engaging our subconscious on a profound level. Through this symbol, the image touches upon the cyclical nature of existence.