Mozes toont de koperen slang 1652 - 1707

Franz Ertinger’s sketch, made around 1640, depicts Moses presenting the copper serpent. This symbol, taken from the Book of Numbers, embodies both poison and cure, reflecting the duality of divine power to punish and heal. The serpent on the pole evokes ancient traditions, reminiscent of the caduceus, a symbol associated with Hermes and medicine. Serpents, universally potent, represent primal energy and transformation. Their presence here taps into our collective memory, where they embody life’s inherent ambiguities. Note the figure of Moses: the gesture of his raised hand appears across cultures in scenes of judgment, evoking an intense emotional connection to our deepest fears and hopes. The copper serpent’s cyclical resurgence speaks to a profound cultural narrative: symbols adapt, transforming to embody our ever-evolving spiritual and psychological landscape.