God schept de zon en de maan 1626

This engraving by Francesco Villamena illustrates God creating the sun and moon. Here, the outstretched arms and hands of God, each holding a celestial body, represent divine power and creation. The gesture of extending the hand—imbued with creative force—echoes through time. We see it in ancient Egyptian depictions of pharaohs offering gifts to the gods, and later in Renaissance paintings, where Christ raises his hand in blessing or healing. Consider, too, the ancient Roman sculptures of emperors offering clemency. The hand, then, becomes a conduit—a channel through which power, whether divine or earthly, is expressed and conferred. This act of creation connects to our collective memory. It taps into our subconscious understanding of creation myths across cultures, evoking a profound emotional response. The dynamism of God's figure, combined with the contrast between the radiant sun and the serene moon, engages viewers, stirring a sense of awe and wonder. This image, like so many others throughout history, is part of an ongoing cycle. Each reappearance adds a layer of meaning, reflecting the evolving relationship between humanity and the divine.