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Jean Bernard rendered this drawing of a fish in pen and gray ink, capturing its form and essence. The fish, a symbol deeply embedded in cultural history, carries varied meanings across different eras. In early Christian art, the fish, or "ichthys," became an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." This symbol, born from persecution, allowed early Christians to identify each other covertly, a sign of faith hidden in plain sight. But the fish predates Christianity, appearing in ancient mythologies as a symbol of fertility, transformation, and abundance. Think of the Babylonian fish-god Ea, who brought wisdom to humanity. What does it mean when an artist chooses to portray this subject? The fish as an image is charged, carrying the weight of collective memory. Is it an assertion of religious identity, a nod to ancient wisdom, or something else entirely? Consider the emotional impact: the simple, yet profound, image of a fish can evoke feelings of hope, renewal, and connection to the deeper currents of history. The enduring image of the fish, from ancient glyphs to modern art, reflects a continuous, cyclical progression. Its form resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new significance, each time connecting us to the past while reflecting our present.