Poortje van het Leprozenhuis in de Lazarussteeg te Amsterdam 1870 - 1926

Willem Wenckebach made this detailed drawing of the gate of the leper house in Amsterdam using pen and ink. Above the entrance, we observe two figures standing guard, flanking a shield bearing the symbol of three crosses arranged in a line. These crosses, known as the Andreas crosses, were historically used to invoke protection against contagious diseases. This symbol, deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs, resurfaces throughout history. The cross, initially a symbol of protection, echoes across centuries, appearing in medieval heraldry and amulets, each time carrying a renewed invocation against unseen threats. Consider how such symbols, laden with historical weight and emotional resonance, trigger our collective memory. They connect us to past fears and hopes, engaging our subconscious on a profound level. These are not just artistic representations; they are cultural relics, continuously transformed by time and context.