Hemelvaart van Christus before 1646

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut depicting Christ's ascension, now held in the Rijksmuseum. Dominating the scene is Christ, rising amidst billowing clouds and a flurry of adoring angels. These clouds, common motifs, are not merely atmospheric; they symbolize a divine threshold, a transition from the earthly to the celestial. Consider the olive branch held by one of the figures. Across cultures, this branch signifies peace and reconciliation. Echoes of this symbolism reverberate through time, from ancient Greek rituals to modern political emblems. But here, its appearance hints at a deeper, perhaps subconscious longing for solace in the face of the unknown. The upward gaze of the apostles, their faces a mix of awe and longing, elicits a powerful emotional response. It is an invitation to reflect on our own aspirations and mortality, an experience that has touched the hearts of viewers through generations. The cyclical nature of these symbols, their ability to resurface and acquire new meanings, underscores their enduring relevance in the human psyche.