Immaculate Conception 1628 - 1629

Peter Paul Rubens painted this Immaculate Conception, capturing the Virgin Mary amidst powerful symbols. She stands upon a globe, crushing a serpent—a motif echoing Eve's temptation in Eden. This triumph over evil is underscored by the wreath-bearing angels, symbols of victory and purity, reminiscent of ancient Roman iconography. The serpent, a symbol of chaos and temptation, has slithered through art for millennia, from the Sumerian myths of entwined serpents to its Christian role as tempter. Its continuous recurrence reveals the profound human preoccupation with primal fears and desires. Rubens masterfully taps into these collective memories, evoking not just religious reverence, but also a deep, subconscious recognition of humanity’s enduring struggles. The image has a cyclical progression, and the emotional power embedded in it allows it to continue resonating with us today.