Salvator Mundi 1882

This is Edward Burne-Jones's "Salvator Mundi," or "Savior of the World" an image rendered in graphite, which presents us with a profound exploration of symbolism. Here, Christ raises his right hand in a gesture of benediction, a motif that echoes through Byzantine mosaics, early Christian sarcophagi, and Renaissance paintings. Consider, for instance, the raised hand, often seen as a symbol of divine blessing or authority. It resurfaces across cultures, from ancient Roman orators to depictions of emperors, each time imbued with the power to command attention and respect. We see the echo of the classical "ad locutio" gesture, yet transformed by Christian spirituality. The Salvator Mundi engages us on a subconscious level. The very act of blessing, of offering salvation, taps into our deepest desires for redemption and peace. The persistence of this imagery through time speaks to the collective human yearning for divine grace, a powerful force that transcends epochs.