View of the Patio of the Evangelists in the centre of the main cloister of the monastery of El Escorial, from a series of Views of El Escorial 1785 - 1795

Manuel Alegre created this print of the Patio de los Evangelistas at El Escorial. The courtyard is dominated by architectural symmetry and the crosses atop the building, symbols deeply rooted in Christian iconography. Consider how the cross, initially a symbol of suffering and death, transformed into an emblem of redemption and spiritual triumph. Its prevalence here evokes a sense of divine omnipresence, subtly influencing the viewer’s emotional state. We see this symbol echoed through art history. From early Christian catacombs to the grand cathedrals of Europe, the cross persists. In the context of El Escorial, a place of both spiritual retreat and royal power, the cross merges religious and secular authority. It reminds us of humanity’s enduring quest for meaning. Like a recurring dream, it resurfaces through time, carrying layers of cultural and personal significance.