Vijf ogen 1620 - 1647

Stefano della Bella rendered these eyes with etching during the 17th century. Eyes, those windows to the soul, have always been a potent symbol, transcending cultures and epochs. In ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus warded off evil, while in classical Greece, the all-seeing eyes of the gods watched over mortals. Consider the Cyclops, the one-eyed giants of mythology, whose singular vision embodies both power and vulnerability. These eyes, carefully rendered, seem to gaze in different directions, evoking a sense of scrutiny and awareness. Across time, the gaze has been used to convey power, judgment, and even love. Think of the Mona Lisa's enigmatic eyes, drawing us into her world. The act of looking and being looked at touches something profound in the human psyche, stirring primal emotions of trust, fear, and curiosity. The symbol of the eye, as seen here, is not linear, but cyclical, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and acquiring new significance throughout history.