Zoektocht naar het Koninkrijk Gods 1598 - 1604

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, "Zoektocht naar het Koninkrijk Gods," likely around 1590, depicting the quest for the Kingdom of God. Dominating the composition is a group of figures laboriously carrying burdens toward a distant, radiant vision. Note how these figures recall the classical motif of Atlas bearing the world, a symbol of endurance and the weight of existence. Here, the burdens might represent earthly sins or trials, a concept echoed in earlier depictions of the "Labors of Hercules." The act of carrying is a recurring theme in art, signifying not only physical effort but also spiritual striving. We see echoes of this in depictions of Christ carrying the cross, an enduring symbol of sacrifice and redemption. Consider how these images engage viewers on a subconscious level, tapping into our own experiences of struggle and perseverance. It is this cyclical progression of symbols that reveals how their meanings evolve across time.