Gezicht op het schip van de Sint-Janscokathedraal in Valletta, Malta 1855 - 1875

Here we see an anonymous depiction of the ship of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta. Dominating the scene is the altar, adorned with Christian iconography, drawing our eye and embedding a profound sense of devotion. Consider how this image, bathed in the traditions of Christian symbolism, echoes gestures and forms from antiquity. The altar, a focal point for sacrifice and communion, resonates with ancient pagan altars where offerings were made to deities. This visual vocabulary evolves, yet retains a connection to its predecessors. Reflect on the cross as a universal symbol, a symbol that predates Christianity but was later adopted to represent Christ's sacrifice. Now, consider its presence here, not merely as a marker of faith, but as a profound emotional anchor that binds believers across centuries. Its enduring power taps into our collective memory. Such enduring symbols reveal how images traverse time, undergoing constant transformation while preserving cultural memory.