De bestorming van Santa Maria, 1217 1839 - 1841

This engraving by Johann Wilhelm Kaiser depicts 'The Storming of Santa Maria, 1217.' Flags bearing a cross evoke the fervor of religious conflict during the crusades. The cross itself is a powerful symbol, transcending its origin in the Christian faith. From ancient Egyptian ankhs, symbolizing life, to various forms across cultures representing axes mundi, the cross embodies profound spiritual connections. Consider, for example, the swastika, a symbol that has journeyed from ancient religious contexts to become tragically associated with the Nazi regime. This symbol reveals how easily collective memory can be manipulated, imbuing ancient signs with terrifying new significance. Here, Kaiser's depiction captures not just a historical event, but the enduring human capacity for both fervent belief and the manipulation of symbols in the theater of war.