Poster for the International Eucharistic Congress (1924)

The artwork titled "Poster for the International Eucharistic Congress, Amsterdam 1924" by Jan Toorop beautifully captures the essence of the event it was designed to commemorate. Dominated by a serene yet compelling image of the Virgin Mary, the composition centers around her ethereal presence, with her arms extended in a welcoming or perhaps blessing gesture. Above her head shines a celestial circle, enhancing her sanctity and connection to the divine.Central to the visual narrative is a large, glowing chalice situated directly beneath Mary, representing the Eucharist itself—a fundamental symbol in Catholic tradition, indicating the presence of Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Communion. The cup radiates with light, suggesting its divine significance and the spiritual nourishment it provides to believers.The backdrop features stylized, flowing lines and geometric patterns that give a sense of movement and supernatural ambiance, leading the viewer's eyes towards the central figures. This use of line and form is typical of Toorop's style, which often blends elements of Art Nouveau with symbolic meaning.The borders are adorned with decorative elements and symbolic colors like blues and reds, adding depth and a sense of framing to the imagery. The text below the illustration clearly denotes the event, the 28th International Eucharistic Congress held in Amsterdam in 1924, grounding the poster in its historical and cultural context.