Allegory of Religion (God the Father above, Faith, Hope, and Charity below) 1597 - 1646

Ludovico Lana rendered this drawing, "Allegory of Religion," in pen and brown ink with wash. We see God the Father presiding above, while Faith, Hope, and Charity are represented below. Observe the figure of Charity, centrally placed, holding a flaming heart. This potent symbol, resonating with divine love and compassion, has roots stretching far back, appearing in ancient sacrificial rites as votive offerings to the gods. The heart motif resurfaces in medieval Christian iconography, where it represents Christ's love for humanity. The flaming heart, in particular, evokes an intense emotional state, symbolizing both the passionate and self-sacrificing nature of divine love. Through time, this symbol has evolved, reappearing in secular contexts, such as Valentine's Day. Ultimately, the cyclical progression of the heart symbol shows how it persists in collective memory, adapting and gaining new meanings in each era.