Bellerophon is sent to the campaign against the Chimera 1829

In Alexander Ivanov's painting, we witness Bellerophon, armed and winged, clasping hands with King Iobates, an act laden with symbolic weight. Behind him, Athena, goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, stands with Pegasus, ready for the hero's quest. The handshake, a gesture seen in ancient Roman art, signifies agreement, trust, and a bond to complete a given task. Yet, consider its echoes through time: from the medieval oaths of fealty, where hands clasped to seal a contract, to its contemporary use in political and business settings. Over millennia, this symbol of accord has reappeared, each time imbued with the hopes and fears of the era. The emotional intensity of this moment, Bellerophon's resolve, and the king’s solemn expectation, resonate with the collective memory of countless partings. Such images reveal the enduring power of archetypes embedded deep within our cultural psyche. The symbol is not static; it evolves, carrying the weight of history while adapting to new cultural landscapes.