Cardinal Fenelon 1822 - 1885

Joel Ballin rendered this engraving of Cardinal Fenelon in the 19th century. Dominating the image is the Cardinal's cross, a potent symbol of sacrifice and faith, deeply rooted in Christian iconography. Consider the cross—it is not merely a religious emblem, but a nexus where the sacred and the profane meet. Its image has been passed down through history, evolving from a symbol of execution to one of redemption. One might recall the Egyptian ankh, a symbol of life, strikingly similar in form. Are these echoes merely coincidental, or do they reveal a deeper, subconscious connection in the human psyche, a collective memory of life, death, and rebirth? The cross persists, resonating with its viewers on a deeply emotional level, a testament to the enduring power of symbols. This emblem, laden with historical and spiritual weight, reveals how cultural memory reshapes our understanding, echoing through the corridors of time.