Panels from an organ case in the church of Saint Vitus in Naarden

These panels by Jan van Schayck, part of an organ case in Saint Vitus Church, Naarden, present us with figures deeply rooted in the medieval world. Note the figure’s tools: a compass and shield, symbols of craftsmanship and defense. The compass, an emblem of precision and reason, is echoed in the geometric patterns of Gothic cathedrals, structures intended to reach towards the divine. This motif appears across cultures, from ancient Egyptian art depicting architects of the pyramids to Renaissance depictions of God as the ‘Divine Geometer.’ Each recurrence reflects humanity’s aspiration to understand and construct our world. Consider the shield, a symbol of protection, both physical and spiritual. The shield appears in ancient Greek art as the ‘Aegis’ of Athena, offering a potent image of power and protection. The shield also appears in countless forms across time and space, reflecting the perennial need for safety and defense, tapping into our collective memories of safety.