Doop van Christus in de Jordaan 1520 - 1562

This is a 16th-century engraving by Monogrammist AC, depicting the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. Dominating the scene, we see John the Baptist pouring water over Christ's head. Above, the Holy Spirit descends as a dove, a symbol laden with meaning across cultures and religions, representing purity, peace, and divine presence. The dove, however, has older, earthier roots. Consider the Minoan snake goddess, often depicted with birds perched on her head. In ancient Greece, the dove was sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, linking it to fertility and sensuality. With Christianity, the dove transcends its pagan origins, becoming a symbol of spiritual love and the Holy Trinity. This transition is no straightforward path. It is a twisting, turning stream where old and new meanings intermingle, speaking to the collective unconscious, and where the emotional power of symbols engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The image is not static. It’s alive, constantly shifting, influenced by the currents of history and cultural memory.