Kind met pijl en boog en alziend oog van God 1590 - 1624

This engraving presents a child with a bow and arrow, set against a backdrop crowned by the all-seeing eye of God, rendered by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert. Here, the eye, flanked by ears, symbolizes divine omniscience and omnipresence, a motif echoing ancient Egyptian depictions of the Eye of Horus, representing protection and royal power. Arrows, often associated with Cupid, are here aimed upward, perhaps suggesting a spiritual yearning rather than earthly desire. The visual grammar speaks of vulnerability, a plea directed towards a higher power, yet also evokes the relentless pursuit of enlightenment. The recurring symbol of the all-seeing eye across cultures underscores a collective subconscious need for surveillance and guidance, reflecting a primal desire for protection and judgment. This image is more than a mere illustration; it is a testament to the enduring power of symbols, revealing how they shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.