Christus met zeven sterren en zwaard by Philippus Velijn

Christus met zeven sterren en zwaard

1797 - 1836

Philippus Velijn's Profile Picture

Philippus Velijn

1787 - 1836

Location

Rijksmuseum
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Artwork details

Medium
drawing, print, ink, engraving
Dimensions
height 185 mm, width 138 mm
Location
Rijksmuseum
Copyright
Rijks Museum: Open Domain

Tags

#portrait#drawing#narrative-art#print#pencil sketch#figuration#ink#romanticism#line#history-painting#engraving

About this artwork

This print by Philippus Velijn depicts Christ standing on clouds, holding seven stars and a sword. These are potent symbols drawn from the Book of Revelation, where the seven stars represent the seven churches, and the sword symbolizes divine judgment. The symbolism evokes a rich tapestry of imagery across time. We find echoes of this celestial authority in earlier depictions of deities wielding thunderbolts or scepters, emblems of power and dominion. The sword, in particular, reminds us of ancient heroes and gods, from the Roman Mars to the Norse Tyr, each bearing arms that signify their role as arbiters of fate. Over time, the sword has reappeared in depictions of Saint Paul or Saint Michael, emphasizing divine justice, reflecting our collective anxieties about morality, justice, and the consequences of our actions. The image is striking, a powerful engagement on a subconscious level with a symbol of authority. It is a reminder of how deeply ingrained these images are in our collective memory, how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.

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