Drawing for the poster publicizing the exhibition for and publication of the book of Abbey’s Quest of the Holy Grail in New York City 

This poster drawing by Edwin Austin Abbey announces his illustrations for the Quest of the Holy Grail. At its heart, we observe a knight bearing a flag with a cross, the same emblem emblazoned on his shield. This symbol isn't merely a marker of identity; it echoes across time and cultures. The cross, predating Christianity, was a sun symbol, a representation of cosmic balance. Yet, in this context, it signifies sacrifice, redemption, a visual anchor to Christ's crucifixion, and the spiritual quest for divine grace. Look upward: above the knight, the Holy Grail shimmers between angelic wings. Like the cross, the Grail isn't confined to Christian lore. Vessels of plenty and mystical transformation appear in many traditions, reflecting humanity’s universal yearning for completion. Consider how such potent symbols evolve, resurfacing in myriad forms across epochs. The emotional power of the image comes from collective memory and subconscious processes, prompting a deep, subconscious resonance.