Gezicht op St. Juliano d'Arba 1665

Wenceslaus Hollar etched this view of St. Juliano d'Arba in 1649. Rising above the landscape, the church’s tower is capped with a cross, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography, signifying sacrifice, redemption, and the intersection of the divine and earthly realms. The cross, however, is not confined to Christian art; its essence echoes through history. Think of the ankh in ancient Egypt, a symbol of life, or its appearance in secular contexts as an emblem of balance. Here, the cross serves as a focal point, a beacon that draws the eye upwards, inviting contemplation. Consider how this symbol has been charged with collective memory, evolving and adapting across cultures, yet retaining its power to evoke profound emotions and spiritual connections, engaging us on a subconscious level. Its enduring presence reflects humanity's ceaseless quest for meaning.