Standbeeld van Fortuna 1636 - 1647

Theodor Matham's drawing captures Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, embodying chance and destiny. She stands with a rudder, symbolizing her control over life's course, and a cornucopia, representing abundance. We can see the motif of the cornucopia in ancient Greek art, associated with prosperity and divine nourishment, often linked to figures like Gaia or Demeter. The rudder, an emblem of control and navigation, appears in various guises across cultures – from ship prows in ancient mosaics to guiding stars in medieval maps. The subconscious appeal of Fortuna lies in our deep-seated desire to control the uncontrollable. The psychological weight of these symbols suggests a primal yearning for security and abundance. This image resonates with the cyclical nature of human experience, where symbols of hope and control resurface, reflecting our perpetual dance with fate.