H. Constantia 1623 - 1668

This engraving of Saint Constantia was created by Reinier van Persijn in the 17th century and resides in the Rijksmuseum. She is depicted with a radiant halo, a symbol of holiness dating back to ancient sun worship, here Christianized to denote divine grace. Constantia’s gesture of extending her hand, while holding a scepter in the other, embodies benevolence and authority. We see similar gestures in ancient Roman art, representing emperors offering clemency or bestowing power. Observe how the motif of the extended hand recurs throughout art history—from depictions of Christ healing the sick to monarchs granting favors. This symbolic gesture transcends its immediate context, carrying echoes of power, compassion, and connection across cultures and eras. Consider how such imagery taps into our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with authority and empathy. This image is not just a portrait; it’s a conduit, connecting us to a lineage of symbols that resonate with primal human emotions and archetypes. It speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols—how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.