Holy Family with St. John 1655 - 1672

William Faithorne the Elder created this print, Holy Family with St. John, using etching and engraving. Notice Saint John, to the right, grasping a staff entwined with a serpent. This is the caduceus, a symbol deeply rooted in antiquity. While often associated with medicine, its origins lie in the Greek myth of Hermes, a messenger and guide to the underworld. The serpent, shedding its skin, represents renewal and healing. Consider how the caduceus, initially linked to Hermes, evolved into a symbol of medicine. The collective memory of Hermes as a protector and healer subtly influenced the perception of this object. Much like the serpent's shedding, the symbol transforms, carrying layers of meaning across time. The serpent appears in the Tree of Knowledge, a motif that has been interpreted as both temptation and wisdom. Through this symbol, the image emotionally engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These symbols undergo a cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in various historical contexts.