Prediking van Johannes de Doper 1679 - 1728

This print, made by Jean-Baptiste de Poilly, depicts John the Baptist preaching, an image saturated with symbols echoing through time. John, staff in hand, stands as a beacon of faith, a visual parallel to ancient hermetic figures. Consider his staff: It's not merely a walking aid but a scepter of spiritual authority, reminiscent of the staffs borne by Moses or Hermes, signaling divine power. His rugged appearance links him to the ascetic tradition, a visual representation of the soul stripped bare. Think of the many depictions of prophets and oracles across cultures—each with unique garb but sharing an aura of divine communication. The act of preaching, the open mouth, the gesturing hands—these aren't unique to Christian art. They resonate with classical oratory and the very human need to communicate, to persuade, to inspire. This echoes through countless images of teachers and leaders, each iteration adding layers to the collective memory of what it means to guide and be guided. This image of John preaching is not just a scene from the Bible. It's a node in a vast, ever-expanding web of symbols that connect us to the past, shaping our understanding of faith, authority, and the human condition.