Heiligen en engelen 1800 - 1833

Philippus Jacobus Brepols created this print of saints and angels in the 18th or 19th century. Notice the recurring motif of the halo, a radiant circle above the heads of the figures. It signifies divine grace and holiness, marking each individual as sacred. This symbol isn't unique to Christian art. We find similar circular auras in ancient Greek and Roman depictions of gods and emperors, signaling power and divinity. Consider Apollo, the sun god, often depicted with a radiant crown. Over time, the halo's meaning has deepened, evolving from a symbol of status to one of spiritual enlightenment. Observe how the consistent presence of the halo across centuries speaks to a collective longing for the divine, a subconscious desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. It is a visual echo resonating through time, reminding us of the enduring human quest for transcendence. This symbol, once pagan, then Christian, continues its cyclical journey, taking new forms but forever bound to its original source.