Antwerp Cathedral c. 1650 - 1655

Peeter Neeffs the Elder painted the interior of Antwerp Cathedral with oil on panel, capturing not just the space but the sacred aura of its architecture. The soaring arches and vertical lines are more than mere structure; they are visual prayers, leading the eye—and the soul—upward. Consider these pillars, rising like ancient trees in a sacred grove. Throughout history, pillars have symbolized strength, stability, and the connection between the earthly and the divine. Think of the pillars in Egyptian temples or the columns of the Roman Pantheon. Here, they support not only the physical edifice but also the spiritual weight of centuries of faith. The checkerboard floor, a mosaic of light and dark, symbolizes the duality of human existence, the constant interplay between good and evil. This pattern echoes in countless other works, from medieval tapestries to modern art, a timeless representation of the human condition. The emotional power of this image lies in its ability to evoke a sense of awe and reverence, a profound connection to something greater than oneself. It reminds us that these symbols are never truly lost, but rather, they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, weaving through the tapestry of human history.