Plate V from the portfolio Papiers Traités 1978

This print by Pierre Alechinsky presents a captivating interplay of form and symbol, inviting us to delve into the currents of cultural memory. Note the swirling, organic forms that encircle the central image. These patterns echo the ancient motif of the serpent, a primal symbol of transformation, life, and death found across cultures, from the caduceus of Hermes to the ouroboros of alchemical traditions. This serpentine energy binds the composition, suggesting a world in flux, teeming with hidden forces. Consider the psychological dimension: the serpent, as a symbol, stirs deep within our collective unconscious. Its sinuous movements and cyclical nature resonate with the human experience of change and renewal. The recurring use of serpent-like forms in art speaks to our enduring fascination with the mysteries of existence. This image evokes a powerful emotional response, engaging us on a subconscious level, as we confront the eternal dance of creation and destruction.