Islamitisch feest in een Oosterse stad 1735

This engraving, made by Jacob Folkema in the 18th century, depicts an Islamic festival in an Eastern city, brimming with symbolic life. Garlands, looped between buildings, evoke ancient festivals dedicated to deities and celebrations of seasonal abundance. Note the figure suspended mid-air, perhaps a performer, seemingly weightless against the architectural backdrop. This motif of suspension echoes through history, from ecstatic rituals to the harrowing images of crucifixion. The image stirs deep, subconscious memories tied to human struggle and triumph. Consider the wheel, prominently displayed, a symbol of cyclical time and destiny, reminiscent of Fortuna's wheel from classical antiquity. This symbol transcends cultural boundaries, reappearing in various guises across time, each iteration colored by the unique historical moment. Such symbols remind us of the interconnectedness of human experience, constantly reemerging and taking on new meanings across epochs.