Dimensions: height 137 mm, width 232 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Orazio Borgianni rendered this etching, “God Creates the Sun and Moon,” sometime around 1615. Here, the creator is depicted in dynamic flight, his arms outstretched to set the celestial spheres into motion, a powerful symbol of divine action. The gesture of outstretched arms appears across cultures and ages; a universal expression of creation, blessing, or control. Think of the ancient Egyptian depictions of pharaohs bestowing power, or the Roman emperors granting clemency. It's a posture deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Consider Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam," where the spark of life is transmitted through a near touch, evoking the same sense of awe and potential, yet here, God doesn't reach out but rather casts light. The sun and the moon, ancient symbols of light and time, are held aloft. This act of creation isn't just about illumination, it’s about establishing order, rhythm, and the very foundations of existence. This image is a testament to how symbols persist, evolving yet retaining their primal ability to stir within us a sense of wonder.
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