Knielende H. Franciscus van Paola in gebed 1627

This engraving by Claude Mellan captures Saint Francis of Paola in deep supplication. The saint kneels before an altar, upon which rests a skull, a memento mori, reminding us of the transience of life. But it is the radiant crucifix that draws our eye. Emanating light, it echoes the ancient symbol of the sun, a life-giving force revered across cultures. Think of the Egyptian sun god Ra, or the Greek Apollo. This motif of radiating light signifies divine presence. Yet, here it also speaks to a deeper psychological need: our longing for the transcendent. The saint's devotion taps into this collective yearning, projecting faith as a powerful emotional force. The motif, in this context, becomes a testament to the cyclical nature of symbols, how they are perpetually reborn, embodying humanity's quest for understanding.