Die Darstellung Gottvaters auf einem Sprenggiebel 

Gaspar de Crayer rendered this drawing of the representation of God the Father on a broken pediment with chalk and pencil. Drawn sometime between 1584 and 1669, de Crayer situates us in the Counter-Reformation where images played a crucial role in reaffirming Catholic doctrine. The depiction of God the Father—a patriarchal figure—holding a sphere evokes both power and dominion. This image prompts us to reflect on the gendered dimensions of religious art and authority. Consider, how the representation of the divine through a male figure impacts our understanding of power, gender, and spirituality. De Crayer’s artistic choices not only uphold traditional representations but invite us to consider how these images shape our cultural and spiritual identities. This drawing invites a moment of introspection, urging us to reflect on how historical depictions continue to influence our perception of faith and authority today.