Naakte vrouw, in profiel naar links. 1589

Philips Galle etched this image of a nude woman in profile. Her classical contrapposto stance lends an air of ancient sculpture, while she delicately holds a vase containing lilies. The lily, a potent symbol, represents purity and innocence, often associated with the Virgin Mary in religious contexts. But consider its earlier pagan roots, linked to fertility goddesses. Look at how the lily has been reimagined through history, from ancient Crete, where it adorned frescoes, to Renaissance paintings, each time subtly shifting its meaning. The gesture of the woman presenting the lilies speaks to a primal connection, an offering of beauty and renewal. Images like this tap into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This visual language continues to evolve, resurfacing in new forms, reminding us of the enduring power of symbols to shape our understanding of the world.