Hoofd van Christus in stralenkrans 1756

Louis Bernard Coclers etched this "Head of Christ in a Halo" in 1756. The halo, depicted here as radiant beams, is a potent symbol, its origins stretching back to pre-Christian sun worship. We see it adopted in early Christian art to signify divine light and grace emanating from holy figures. Observe how this motif migrates across cultures and epochs. In ancient Rome, emperors were depicted with solar crowns, appropriating divine attributes for earthly rule. This symbol of power evolved; the halo later adorned saints and monarchs alike, each context layering new meaning onto the old. The power of the image resonates through cultural memory. The face of Christ, bisected by lines, evokes a sense of profound sorrow and introspection. This visual splitting perhaps reflects the internal conflicts inherent in faith, the questioning, and the ultimate acceptance of divine will. The symbol is not static. It ebbs and flows, undergoing constant metamorphosis.