Bisschopswijding van de heilige Norbertus 1622

This is Cornelis Galle I's engraving, depicting "Bisschopswijding van de heilige Norbertus," now held at the Rijksmuseum. Note the central motif: the laying on of hands, a gesture laden with spiritual weight. Here, it signifies the transmission of divine authority, a ritual act of empowerment. Yet, this motif echoes across millennia, from ancient Egyptian reliefs where pharaohs receive life force from deities, to depictions of Christ healing the sick. It speaks to humanity's enduring fascination with the transfer of power and grace. Consider how the open hand, a symbol of vulnerability and receptivity, contrasts with the commanding presence of the bishop. This interplay embodies a psychological tension, a dance between submission and authority, reflecting our complex relationship with institutions and the divine. The laying on of hands is not merely a gesture; it is a conduit, channeling collective hopes, fears, and the timeless quest for spiritual connection.