Hond zoekt in de stam van een boom 1663

This emblem, illustrating Corneille's play "Le Menteur," presents a dog searching within the trunk of a tree, alongside a ribbon emblazoned with "Quaerendo." This symbol of seeking or searching is central to the play's themes of deception and discovery. The act of searching, represented by the dog, is an ancient motif, appearing in various cultural contexts. Think of the Greek myth of Actaeon, hunted by his own hounds, or the loyal dogs depicted in Roman mosaics, always vigilant. The dog embodies a primal instinct, a pursuit of truth or prey. Consider the serpent coiled around the tree of knowledge from Genesis. Both this tree and the dog can be viewed as symbols of knowledge, forbidden or hidden, requiring effort to uncover. Just as the serpent tempted Eve with knowledge, the "search" here suggests a journey into understanding, albeit one that may lead to deception, echoing the play's exploration of lies and truths. This powerful image engages us, tapping into the deep-seated human drive to seek and to know.