Portret van Conrad Grossmann 1679

This engraving portrays Conrad Grossmann, made by Conrad Meyer. Here we see Grossmann holding a stemmed goblet. This goblet is not merely a drinking vessel; it is laden with symbolic weight. Consider the recurring motif of the chalice throughout history. From the Holy Grail in Arthurian legends, promising spiritual fulfillment, to its presence in classical bacchanals, symbolising intoxication, its significance evolves. Its presence speaks to the deeply rooted human desires for both spiritual and earthly transcendence. The goblet, therefore, acts as a potent symbol, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human experience. It reminds us that symbols are never static; they morph and adapt, echoing through time.