Fides (Faith), ca. 1559 – ca. 1560

About the Work

In his image of faith, Bruegel united various sacraments such as baptism, penance, communion, and marriage. He also granted the sermon a prominent place and at the centre incorporated the symbols of Christ’s suffering that represent the core of Christianity. In the foreground, the personification of faith holds up the Holy Scripture, on which the dove of the Holy Spirit has lighted. With her other hand, she points emphatically at the book in a clear reference to the importance of Word and Spirit for knowledge of God.