Spreuken van Salomo, boven 1547 - 1591

Gerard de Jode created this engraving, "Sayings of Solomon, above," in the 16th century. It features three distinct scenes, each rich with symbolism. Notice the central panel: a woman stands confidently beside a serpent, its head bowed. Historically, the serpent is a complex symbol, often linked to both wisdom and temptation. Here, its subdued posture suggests the triumph of virtue over primal instincts, echoing ancient myths of heroes who confront and conquer beasts. The woman's raised hand is a gesture seen across cultures, a symbol of command. We see this gesture in classical depictions of emperors as well as renaissance paintings of divine figures performing miracles, suggesting a cultural memory of power and authority. The emotional power of this image lies in the silent drama, engaging our subconscious recognition of symbols that persist throughout history, ever-changing, and always present.