Ontwerp voor het hoofdaltaar van de Saint-Sulpice in Parijs

This is Gabriel Huquier’s design for the high altar of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. Notice the radiant sunburst at the altar's apex. The sun, a symbol of enlightenment and divinity, has been revered across cultures since antiquity. From the Egyptian god Ra to Apollo in Greek mythology, the sun embodies life-giving power and spiritual awakening. Here, it merges with Christian iconography, representing the divine light of God. Below, angels enact a celestial coronation. This motif echoes in countless artworks throughout history, where figures are crowned to signify power. The act of bestowing a crown suggests not only authority but also the cyclical nature of power. It appears and reappears in different guises. These symbols are not static, but rather a river. The motifs of light, power, and divinity engage viewers on a subconscious level. It evokes intense emotional states. These powerful images have been passed down through history, shifting in meaning across eras.