Zes profeten en de verkondiging aan Maria 1575 - 1585

Philips Galle's engraving presents us with the Annunciation scene, observed by prophets of old. Each figure holds scrolls bearing prophecies foretelling Mary's pivotal role. Consider the dove descending from above, a symbol laden with meanings across cultures. Representing the Holy Spirit here, it also echoes ancient emblems of peace and purity. We find similar avian messengers in classical myths, carrying tidings of gods and fates, like Hermes, a motif deeply rooted in the collective unconscious. This image of divine intervention, delivered on feathered wings, has been a recurring theme through diverse epochs. Note how the angelic visitation, the divine light, and the prophetic pronouncements converge, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. It evokes primal memories, a feeling of destiny and the interplay between the earthly and celestial. This cyclical progression underscores how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout our shared cultural journey.