Naäman bij Elisa / Gebed van Salomo 1724 - 1769

This print, made by Noach van der Meer in the 18th century, depicts scenes from the Old Testament. The lower scene shows the prayer of Solomon, with smoke rising to the heavens. Fire, as a divine messenger, carries prayers skyward and symbolizes purification and transformation across cultures. Consider the act of prayer itself, represented here as a communal ritual. Observe how the figures are arranged, their gestures of supplication echoing movements found in ancient Roman reliefs and Renaissance paintings. This continuity reveals the powerful thread of human spirituality. The act of collective prayer, an eternal theme through time, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The motif of prayer is not linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, yet its essence remains a testament to our enduring quest for meaning and connection.