Rids af hoveder og hovedbeklædninger samt blyantsnotater 1835 - 1836

This delicate sketch, rendered by Martinus Rørbye, captures a man drawing and lizards. Lizards are prominent motifs, weaving through time as symbols of transformation, regeneration, and adaptability. In ancient Egypt, the lizard was associated with resurrection and divine wisdom. Yet, they also bear a darker connotation, linked to trickery. Here, Rørbye captures the lizard's essence, not merely as a creature, but as a conduit of primal energies. It also reflects the artist's transformative journey, adapting to new environments and artistic expressions. Consider how this symbolism might have subconsciously influenced Rørbye, drawing parallels to the lizard's adaptability as he navigated the cultural landscapes of his time. It's as if the collective memory of these symbols, laden with layers of meaning, resurfaces in his work. The lizard’s enduring presence demonstrates the non-linear progression of symbols, evolving and resurfacing throughout history, forever changed, yet eternally familiar.