Erichthonius gevonden door de drie dochters van Cecrops 1670 - 1719

Arnold Houbraken etched this image, 'Erichthonius found by the daughters of Cecrops', in the 17th century. The infant Erichthonius, with his serpentine form, lies in a basket discovered by three sisters. This scene is thick with symbols of hidden knowledge and forbidden curiosity. Consider Pandora's box, a parallel from ancient myth, where the opening of a forbidden container unleashed unforeseen consequences. The basket here holds a similar weight, representing the unveiling of hidden truths and the disruption of natural order. This motif of the concealed and revealed recurs throughout art history, embodying our complex relationship with the unknown. The raw emotion of surprise and fear etched on the faces of the sisters engages us, tapping into a primal recognition of the dangers inherent in seeking knowledge beyond our grasp. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, the serpent-child invites a dance between fascination and dread. These images resonate across centuries, continually reborn in our collective psyche, urging us to reflect on the consequences of unveiled secrets.