Kerkelijke scène met kruisverering op Goede Vrijdag c. 1700 - 1724

Charles Parrocel created this drawing depicting a church scene with the adoration of the cross on Good Friday. Here, the central symbol is, of course, the cross itself. In Christian iconography, it signifies not only the suffering and death of Christ but also redemption and salvation. This symbol transcends its immediate religious context and is charged with deep psychological resonance. Consider its echoes in earlier pagan symbols of sacrifice or the later, secular use of the cross in emblems of power and authority. The skull and crossbones, appearing ominously on the right, is a memento mori, reminding us of death's inevitability and of the transience of earthly life. This symbol’s stark depiction of mortality has roots stretching back to ancient funerary art. The act of veneration itself speaks to a collective psychological need to confront mortality and seek solace through ritual. The bowed heads, clasped hands, and kneeling figures create an emotional tableau that is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. In moments like these, the psychological impact of the image resonates far beyond its immediate religious meaning. Observe how the visual symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.