Altaar van de Ecce Homo-basiliek, Jeruzalem c. 1867 - 1877

This is a photograph of the Altar of the Ecce Homo Basilica in Jerusalem, taken by Félix Bonfils. The image is dominated by the altar itself, adorned with candles and flanked by statues, likely of angels. The altar, a place of sacrifice and communion, evokes a sense of solemnity, with the statue of the Virgin Mary in the background as a maternal and divine presence. Consider the enduring symbol of the angel, a messenger between the divine and mortal realms, seen across cultures from ancient Mesopotamia to Renaissance art. These winged figures bear tidings, like those found in early Byzantine mosaics where angels act as intermediaries, their gestures loaded with spiritual meaning. Here, the emotional resonance of the scene lies in the composition, a play of light and shadow. Light emanates from the candles, casting a glow on the altar, a beacon of hope and redemption. These carefully placed visual cues engage the viewer's subconscious, triggering deep-seated emotional and spiritual responses.