Reproductie van de Heilige Barbara van Nicodemië door Jan van Eyck before 1877

This is a reproduction by Joseph Maes of Jan van Eyck’s Saint Barbara, although undated, it offers a glimpse into the cultural memory of the 15th century. Dominating the composition is the tower, an attribute of Saint Barbara, who, according to legend, was imprisoned in one for her Christian beliefs. This symbol of confinement and faith resonates through time, echoing in other depictions of female saints and heroines. Think of Danaë, locked away, or Rapunzel, isolated in her tower—each a vessel for themes of isolation, protection, and the yearning for liberation. Observe how the tower in Van Eyck’s rendition rises like a gothic cathedral, hinting at the divine protection Barbara sought and ultimately found in her martyrdom. The act of building becomes a metaphor for spiritual aspiration. The image taps into a collective subconscious, revealing how symbols persist, evolve, and continue to engage us on a profound, almost primal level. The tower remains a testament to the enduring power of symbols to transcend time, embodying both the constraints of human existence and the boundless potential for spiritual transcendence.