Ruinen af St. Ibs Kirke ved Roskilde 1858

This etching by Henrik Steffens Sibbern depicts the ruin of St. Ibs Church near Roskilde, capturing a moment of decay and abandonment. Dominating the simple structure is the cross atop the roof, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography, representing sacrifice, redemption, and faith. The motif of the cross extends far beyond Christianity. In ancient Egypt, the ankh, similar in shape, symbolized life. Its journey through time transformed it into a potent signifier of religious and spiritual identity. The image of the ruin itself can be traced back to ancient Roman art, and reminds us of the transience of human achievement. We see it again during the Renaissance, and in the Romantic Era, when a building’s collapse became associated with emotional and psychological states, such as melancholy. Here, Sibbern's choice to portray the church in such a state suggests not just physical deterioration but also a deeper commentary on the impermanence of institutions and beliefs. This speaks to a collective, subconscious recognition of mortality.