Horizontal Panel with a Bird Perched at Center 16th - 17th century

This horizontal panel, by J. Boissevain, showcases a menagerie of symbols amidst swirling foliage. At its heart, a majestic bird dominates, flanked by snakes, shells and mythical beasts, each carrying echoes from ancient times. The bird, often an eagle, is a potent symbol, reminiscent of imperial Rome, where it signified power and divine authority. Think of the Roman standards, where the eagle embodied the might of the legions, or even further back, to Zeus, king of the gods, often depicted with his eagle. This symbol has resurfaced throughout history, adorning coats of arms and national emblems. The serpent, a creature of duality, embodies both healing and destruction, present in mythology across cultures, from the caduceus of Hermes to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. These symbols speak to our collective unconscious, a visual language passed down through generations. They engage us on a primal level, stirring emotions and memories buried deep within. It is the persistence and adaptation of these symbols that reveals the enduring power of the human psyche and its relentless search for meaning.