Horlogekast en drie stroken 1661 - 1726

This anonymous print presents various ornamental designs, perhaps intended for a clock case. Dominating the composition are the recurring vegetal motifs and the radiant sun. Since ancient times, the sun has symbolized life, energy, and the cycle of time, worshipped across cultures from Egypt to the Incas. Note how the sun's rays are anthropomorphized, almost human. The roundel depicts a biblical scene, possibly the Adoration of the Magi. This motif often appears in early Christian art as it represents recognition of Christ’s divinity. The ornamental friezes echo patterns seen in classical architecture. Such syncretism – blending pagan and Christian symbols – illustrates humanity's persistent effort to synthesize new beliefs with older, deeply ingrained cultural memories. The fusion of light, divinity, and time speaks to a primal human need to find meaning and order in the cosmos. It’s a visual echo of our timeless quest.