St. Christopher Bearing the Christ Child 

Joachim Patinir painted this scene of Saint Christopher with oil on panel. Saint Christopher is typically depicted carrying the Christ Child across a river, a symbol of assistance and guidance through perilous journeys, both physical and spiritual. Here, Christopher's sturdy staff, aiding his steps, echoes images of Atlas bearing the globe, a burden now replaced by the weight of the divine. This motif of bearing weight is not new; it's found in ancient mythologies, each time reflecting the profound human capacity to endure hardship and transcend limitations. In the collective memory, the act of carrying signifies responsibility, sacrifice, and the weight of destiny. Notice how Patinir's rendering engages our deepest fears, while the figure of Saint Christopher bearing the Christ Child offers reassurance, a powerful reminder of hope. This image resonates with the ancient human desire for protection, echoing across time and cultures, each telling the same myth.