Curatorial notes
Jan Joest painted this Pentecost with oil on panel, capturing a pivotal moment in Christian narrative. Here, the dove, symbolising the Holy Spirit, descends upon the Virgin Mary and the Apostles, each touched by divine flames representing spiritual awakening. Consider the motif of the descending dove, prevalent in representations of divine epiphanies. It is a powerful emblem, recurring through centuries, harking back to ancient symbols of peace and purity. The dove appears in the story of Noah, signaling the end of the flood, or in classical antiquity as an attribute of Venus. Yet, here, the dove takes on a new layer of meaning—the transformation and unity of early Christians. Observe the Apostle’s raised hands—a universal gesture of supplication. Such gestures elicit subconscious responses within us, resonating with collective memories of awe. The power of these images lies not just in their religious significance but also in their profound psychological impact, echoing through history and touching our souls.