Det store Halleluja 1933 - 1934

This is a sketch titled "Det store Halleluja," or "The Great Hallelujah," by Niels Larsen Stevns. Here, the use of musical instruments is not merely decorative but a powerful symbolic element. Consider the harps and trumpets held by the figures above; such instruments are not merely tools for creating music; they are conduits for divine expression. The trumpet, for example, appears throughout art history. From the trumpeting angels of the Renaissance to the heraldic symbols of royalty, the instrument signifies proclamation, authority, and the heralding of significant events. When placed into the context of celestial beings, we can consider the trumpet as a symbol of divine will. The figures wielding these instruments create an emotional impact on the viewer as they invite us to connect with the potential for profound spiritual communication. As we reflect on the symbolic weight of the musical instruments, we gain insight into the cyclical progression of symbols and their meaning.