Opwekking van de dochter van Jaïrus 1629

This woodcut, made by Christoffel van Sichem II, illustrates the biblical story of the Raising of Jairus' Daughter. At the center, Christ extends his hand, a gesture of divine intervention and life-giving power, toward the seemingly lifeless girl in the bed. This motif of the outstretched hand, a symbol of healing and resurrection, echoes through art history. We see it in ancient Egyptian depictions of pharaohs bestowing life and in countless Christian artworks where saints and saviors offer salvation. Consider the hand in Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam; it is less about physical touch and more about the transmission of vital essence. This gesture taps into a deep, collective memory—a primal desire for healing and renewal, resonating within our subconscious. The Raising of Jairus' Daughter is not merely a historical depiction but an eternal symbol of hope. The cyclical nature of death and rebirth continues to permeate our cultural and artistic expressions, forever evolving yet eternally relevant.