Leda en de zwaan c. 1544 - 1600

This engraving shows the mythological scene of Leda and the Swan, with Leda reclining as the Swan embraces her. This image taps into a deep well of symbolic meaning, rooted in classical mythology. The swan, often a symbol of purity and grace, transforms here into a figure of divine power, embodying Zeus himself. Leda, queen of Sparta, is caught in an act of divine union that carries both beauty and violence. Look closely, and you might recognize a similar motif in depictions of Europa and the Bull, or Danaë and the Shower of Gold – instances where gods take on animal forms to interact with mortals. The image of the egg recurs in myths across cultures, symbolizing creation, rebirth, and potential. It is a motif that echoes through time, appearing in Egyptian creation myths and alchemical symbolism. Consider the psychological impact of these symbols, the primal fear and attraction to the divine. The image continues to resonate, reflecting our complex relationship with power, desire, and the mysteries of existence.