An Elaborate Rococo Setting with the Virgin and Child and Saints Defeating Evil, Heresy, and Profane Love c. 1760s

This drawing of the Virgin and Child with Saints Defeating Evil, Heresy, and Profane Love was made by Vitus Felix Rigl. The scales held by the angel and the serpent being stabbed by the spear point towards the conflict between justice and evil. Throughout history, the motif of a figure trampling a serpent appears in various cultures, from ancient Mesopotamian depictions of gods battling chaos, to early Christian art where it symbolized Christ or Mary overcoming sin. The triumph depicted here, like the ancient snake motif, speaks to a universal desire to conquer the darker aspects of human existence. Interestingly, even the placement of these symbols can trigger deep psychological responses. The serpent at the base, almost subconscious, evokes primordial fears, while the scales of justice overhead provide a sense of hope and order. This interplay taps into our collective memory, where such symbols have been imprinted for centuries, continuing to shape our understanding of morality and conflict. As this symbol transitions through time, it reflects humanity’s constant negotiation between chaos and order.