Ontwerp voor het altaar van de Saint-Leu in Parijs 1738 - 1749

Antoine Hérisset drafted this altar design for the Saint-Leu church in Paris. The cross is central here, a profound symbol of sacrifice and redemption deeply entrenched in Christian iconography. Notice how the cross, bathed in divine light, isn't merely a static emblem but a dynamic symbol. This representation is not unique; we see echoes of this radiant cross in earlier Byzantine mosaics and later Renaissance paintings. Yet, here, it’s imbued with the theatricality of the Baroque, designed to evoke a strong emotional response, a sense of awe and spiritual awakening. Consider also the flanking angels. They are reminiscent of classical winged figures, yet their presence here serves a distinct purpose: guiding the viewer's gaze upward, towards the divine. This upward movement mirrors the soul's aspiration towards the heavens, a visual metaphor for spiritual transcendence. Such symbolism engages our collective memory, tapping into deeply rooted cultural and psychological associations.