Tekstblad behorende bij: Apollo's kermis-gift, deel 2, 1743 1743

This print, dating from 1743 by Jan van den Bergh, presents us with a vision of Saint Clare of Montefalco receiving communion directly from Christ. Here, the chalice symbolizes not merely a vessel, but the very essence of sacrifice and redemption, its form echoing back to ancient libation vessels. See how Christ, robed in priestly vestments, offers her the Eucharist. The act, framed by cherubic figures and radiant light, is reminiscent of earlier depictions of divine encounters, such as the Madonna and Child. Note how the offering of the chalice transcends its immediate religious context. It evokes a deep-seated human desire for connection with the divine, a motif echoed across cultures and epochs. Consider the psychological weight of this image: the yearning for grace, the solace found in faith, the comfort in the face of mortality. These are emotions embedded in our collective consciousness. Indeed, the chalice and the act of communion resurface time and again in art and ritual, evolving yet retaining their core message of spiritual nourishment and unity. This visual echo chamber reminds us of the enduring power of symbols to shape our understanding of the world.