Rio del Erbe, Venice 1883

Andrew Fisher Bunner captured this scene of the Rio del Erbe in Venice with graphite on paper. A prominent cross atop one of the buildings alludes to Venice's deep-rooted religious history, an emblem of faith and the Church's pervasive influence, which we also see referenced in the architecture itself. The cross as a symbol is fascinating—it's not unique to Christianity, of course. Its most ancient origins stretch back to pre-Christian symbols of cosmic order and the meeting of divine and earthly realms. In ancient Egypt, the ankh represented life. Across cultures, this symbol has been repurposed, recontextualized, and imbued with new layers of meaning. The image of the cross can unconsciously evoke complex feelings. The symbol of the cross has been a powerful force in shaping not just religious but also cultural and personal identities across the world, a vivid testament to how a single symbol can carry immense psychological and historical weight. It engages viewers on a profound level, sparking contemplation about faith, sacrifice, and redemption. The cross in Bunner’s Venice reappears, reformed and reimagined, echoing through time.