Faith, from Virtues and Vices 1596 - 1597

In this engraving by Zacharias Dolendo, we see Faith personified through a collection of powerful symbols. Her hands are clasped in prayer, a universally understood gesture of supplication and devotion, and she gazes towards the heavens, bathed in divine light. Beneath her feet, she tramples a serpent. This motif echoes the biblical narrative of the triumph over evil, reminiscent of Eve’s encounter with the serpent in the Garden of Eden, yet here, the serpent is decidedly defeated. Faith’s dominance over the serpent, a symbol found in countless cultures from ancient Mesopotamia to Greece, represents the soul's struggle against temptation and the ultimate victory of spiritual strength. Observe how this symbol has been reinterpreted across time. In some eras, the serpent embodies wisdom and healing, while in others, it represents chaos and destruction. Yet, its recurring presence speaks to a deep-seated human preoccupation with the duality of existence. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its embodiment of hope, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level, reminding us of the enduring human quest for meaning and redemption. The serpent's cyclical reappearance underscores its continued relevance.