Small winged altar with the Resurrection of Christ, St. Barbara (Left Wing) and St. Catharine (right Wing) 1510

This small winged altar was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder and portrays both the resurrection of Christ and two Saints. On the left panel, St. Barbara holds a tower, a symbol of her imprisonment and steadfast faith. Notice how this motif echoes in various forms throughout history; the tower reappears as a symbol of strength, isolation, and spiritual ascent, from ancient myths to medieval fortresses. On the right, St. Catherine bears a sword, emblem of her martyrdom and intellectual prowess. The sword's dual nature as an instrument of both justice and violence resonates with the complex psychological tension between faith and power. In the center panel, the resurrected Christ rises with a gesture of benediction; an image which continues to evolve, reflecting our changing understanding of divinity and the human condition. These visual symbols evoke a powerful emotional response, connecting us to centuries of collective memory and subconscious understanding.