Portret van een vrouw 1861 - 1887

This photograph, "Portret van een vrouw," was taken by Albert Greiner. Note the cross prominently displayed on the subject’s chest. This symbol carries a profound historical weight, far beyond its obvious religious connotations. In antiquity, the cross predates Christianity, appearing in various cultures as a symbol of cosmic order or the intersection of the earthly and divine. Its adoption by Christianity imbued it with a potent narrative of sacrifice and redemption. Consider its presence in other artistic expressions through the ages. From ancient Egyptian ankhs to medieval crucifixes, the cross evolves, yet remains rooted in primal human concerns. This image resonates with an echo of inherited cultural memory. It's a symbol, that despite its variations, continues to engage us on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol is part of a cyclical progression, resurfacing and evolving through time.