Reproductie van de Zegening door Justus van Gent before 1877

This reproduction of the Blessing by Justus van Gent, captured by Joseph Maes, presents us with a scene steeped in religious symbolism. The central figure, likely a pope, bestows a blessing, flanked by kneeling angels. The gesture of blessing itself is a motif echoing through time, from ancient Roman invocations to Christian sacraments. Consider the raised hand, a symbol of power and benediction, its recurrence throughout history a testament to its enduring emotional resonance. Even in ancient Egyptian art, we find similar gestures of offering and protection, their meanings subtly shifting yet retaining a core essence of divine favor. The act of kneeling signifies humility and reverence, an acknowledgment of higher power and a gesture of submission that engages our collective memory. Such imagery resonates deeply, tapping into archetypes of faith, authority, and the human quest for divine connection. Through this, the artwork touches something profound within us, a subconscious recognition of enduring cultural and spiritual narratives.