De voorstelling van De Corenbloem: Jozef overwint Tweedracht, 1577 1577 - 1578

This engraving, made by Antoni van Leest in 1577, depicts Joseph overcoming discord, dominated by potent symbols of power and resolution. Here, Joseph, the biblical figure, stands triumphantly, his staff bearing down upon a defeated figure representing discord, or "Tweedracht," as the title indicates. Consider how the motif of dominance over adversity resonates through history. We see echoes of it in classical depictions of heroes vanquishing monsters. This symbolic gesture has evolved, surfacing in various forms across cultures and eras. The serpent-like figure, often shown beneath the feet of saints or deities, carries a primal emotional charge, stirring collective memories of overcoming chaos. The psychological impact of such imagery lies in its ability to tap into our deepest fears and desires: the fear of chaos, the desire for order. Such symbols offer a sense of reassurance, promising control over the unpredictable forces of life. Thus, this enduring motif resurfaces throughout history, continually reborn to meet our timeless need for psychological equilibrium.