The Infant Christ as Redeemer 1472 - 1553

This woodcut was created by Lucas Cranach the Elder, and it portrays the infant Christ emerging from his tomb as the Redeemer of the world. In his hand, he holds a globe surmounted by a cross, a symbol of his dominion over the earth and his sacrifice for humanity. Consider the globe and cross motif. In earlier Roman art, the globe symbolized imperial power, a tangible claim of earthly rule. Yet, here, it is refigured with the cross, signifying a spiritual and moral authority that transcends worldly dominion. This transformation reflects a profound shift in the symbolic order, where divine law redefines power. The image resonates with the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface and evolve, carrying layers of historical and psychological weight. Such motifs are not static; they are continually reinterpreted, reflecting the dynamic interplay between past and present.