De beschermheiligen van Oostenrijk Possibly 1515 - 1590

Albrecht Dürer created this woodcut, “The Patron Saints of Austria”, sometime around the turn of the 16th century. The figures are adorned with haloes and various attributes, which provide insight into their identities and significance. Note Saint Florian, clad in Roman armor, bearing not just a shield but also a flag, symbols of spiritual battle and faith. His presence evokes Mars, the god of war, whose iconography has been continually repurposed to represent religious and moral struggle. The act of carrying a flag resonates through time, from ancient Roman legions to medieval crusaders, embodying ideals of power, protection, and loyalty. This motif transcends its original military context, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, becoming a potent symbol of collective identity and shared cultural values. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols that echo through the ages, evolving yet still retaining the capacity to stir profound emotions and cultural recognition.