Maria, Elisabeth, das Jesuskind und der Johannesknabe 

Here is a drawing made by Franz von Rohden depicting Mary, Elizabeth, the infant Jesus, and young John. The dove held by Mary is an unmistakable symbol of the Holy Spirit, a motif deeply rooted in Christian iconography, often signifying purity, peace, and divine presence. This symbol, however, is not confined to Christian art; its wings carry it across cultures and eras. We see echoes of the dove in ancient mythologies, as a messenger of the gods, bridging the earthly and the divine. Its symbolism evolves, sometimes representing love and fidelity, other times, the soul's journey. Consider the dove's appearance in Pablo Picasso's lithograph, which embodies a call for peace. The image’s visual simplicity allowed it to serve as a poignant emblem of hope, illustrating how an ancient symbol is reborn in the modern era. The dove’s persistent presence suggests our collective subconscious recognizes and responds to its archetypal message, and perhaps this is how it continues to engage our emotions on a profound level.