Horlogekast tussen twee boeketten c. 1631 - 1736

This anonymous print presents a triptych of images, dominated by the central scene of Christ's crucifixion framed by floral arrangements. The flowers, symbols of life and renewal, flank the stark scene of death. This juxtaposition evokes the ancient motif of 'memento mori', the remembrance of mortality, yet here, it’s intertwined with a promise of resurrection. Consider the cross: from its origins as an instrument of torture to its elevation as a symbol of salvation, it is a potent example of how symbols evolve, carrying layers of collective memory. The emotional weight of the crucifixion, a moment of profound sacrifice, resonates deeply in the human psyche. We see it echoed across cultures—the hero's journey, the sacrificial king—each a cyclical return to themes of suffering, death, and rebirth. The print isn't simply a depiction; it's an invocation of these deeply ingrained narratives, which continue to surface in our art, our stories, and our dreams.