Hemelkaart met de noordelijke sterrenbeelden c. 1706

This celestial map depicts the northern constellations, rendered by an anonymous hand. Notice the symbolic figures populating the skies: the great bear, Ursa Major; Leo, the lion; and the twins, Gemini. These are not mere arrangements of stars, but vessels of ancient narratives. The constellation of Leo, for instance, echoes across cultures, appearing in Mesopotamian art as a symbol of power, and later, in the Greco-Roman world, as a representation of strength and courage, often linked to solar deities. The lion's image, charged with potent symbolism, resurfaces in medieval heraldry, adorning coats of arms as a display of valor. Consider how these celestial symbols tap into our collective unconscious, stirring primal emotions. Even today, as we gaze at the night sky, these age-old images evoke a sense of wonder, connecting us to the vast cosmos and the enduring human quest for meaning. This cyclical progression highlights how symbols are continuously reinterpreted, reflecting society's evolving values and beliefs.