Four illustrations to a Spanish book 1655

Rembrandt van Rijn created these four illustrations to a Spanish book in 1655, capturing powerful biblical scenes. Notice the recurring motif of divine intervention, the presence of angels or a holy figure, and the presence of the animal kingdom, perhaps standing for the natural world. The figure of the angel, ever-present in the top right panel, is not merely a religious symbol; it embodies the tension between the earthly and the divine, much like the Greek god Hermes, a messenger between worlds. Throughout art history, the angel figure reappears in countless forms, each echoing humanity's longing for transcendence. Consider, too, how Rembrandt uses light and shadow to amplify the emotional resonance of the image. The way the scenes are cast in shadow and light could evoke a sense of mystery and introspection, drawing viewers into the psychological depths of these biblical narratives. This interplay of light and shadow has roots in the cave paintings of our ancestors. In essence, these images reveal how the symbols echo throughout our collective memory, resurfacing to shape and reshape our understanding of ourselves and the world.