H. Columba en H. Mustiola 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this engraving of Saint Columba and Saint Mustiola, a work brimming with symbols of martyrdom and faith. Observe Columba kneeling before a bear, a symbol of her triumph over primal instincts through piety. This motif echoes the ancient theme of taming the wild, a recurring image that reflects humanity's struggle to control inner chaos, seen even in depictions of Daniel in the lion's den. In the center, Mustiola stands bound, ready to be stoned – a stark image of sacrifice. The stone, often a symbol of foundation, here becomes an instrument of death. To the right, a man stands poised to execute Mustiola, a sickle raised high. Consider the sickle – an agricultural tool turned weapon, representing the cycle of life and death. This transformation is potent, resonating with the psychological tension between creation and destruction. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, carrying layers of meaning across epochs. Like echoes in a vast chamber, these images reverberate through history, their forms shifting, yet their essence enduring.