Preaching the First Crusade at Clermont 1460

Jean Fouquet painted this image of the Pope preaching the First Crusade. The cross, a potent symbol, dominates the scene both as a material object atop the Pope’s staff, and as an abstract notion, influencing the crusaders' fervor. This symbol echoes through history, seen earlier in Constantine's vision before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, promising victory under the sign of the cross. Yet, Fouquet's cross is not merely a symbol of triumph. It’s a symbol laden with the weight of sacrifice, echoing Christ's crucifixion. This duality, where triumph is intertwined with suffering, stirs deep within the collective psyche. It’s an emotional tug, a blend of hope and dread, that has propelled warriors and believers across centuries. The cross, then, becomes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings across different historical contexts.