Portret van Cornelis Broere 1860 - 1899

This engraved portrait of Cornelis Broere by Lud. Falk presents us with a figure adorned in the attire of clerical authority, marked by the distinct cross. This cross is not merely a symbol of faith, but a cultural hieroglyph, echoing through time. Its genesis lies in ancient symbols of cosmic order, repurposed by Christianity to signify sacrifice and redemption. Notice its stark presence here, a bold claim of spiritual dominion. One can trace the metamorphosis of the cross from early, almost hidden representations in the catacombs to its triumphant display on cathedrals. Each era imprints its anxieties and aspirations upon it, a palimpsest of collective memory. Like the serpent, the cross sheds its skin, adapting to the shifting landscapes of belief, continually resurrected in new forms. It's a testament to our enduring need for symbols that bind and guide us, echoing through the corridors of history.