Rinuccini Chapel (basilica of Santa Croce) 1370

Here, in the Rinuccini Chapel, Giovanni da Milano painted a fresco depicting Joachim’s sacrifice. A lamb, symbolic of purity and sacrifice, is presented in the temple. This echoes ancient sacrificial rites found in pagan cultures, where animals were offered to appease deities, an echo of collective memory. The motif of sacrifice and offering is not unique. Recall the countless depictions of Abraham's sacrifice, or even the classical Iphigenia, where a human life was offered. The lamb's image also evokes Christian symbolism, representing Christ's sacrifice for humanity, a potent symbol of redemption. Observe the emotional weight carried by these figures: the tension in Joachim's posture, the stoic expression of the priest. These gestures resonate deep within us, tapping into primal fears and hopes associated with sacrifice, a powerful force engaging us on a subconscious level. Thus, we witness the cyclical nature of symbols, resurfacing across epochs, their meanings shifting, yet their emotional core enduring.