Nine of Coins 1751

Claude Burdel designed this card, "Nine of Coins," in the 18th century. The arrangement of the coins is interspersed with what looks like abstract flowers. The coins themselves aren't merely monetary tokens; each is stamped with the image of a tree. Consider the ancient symbolism of the tree: a representation of life, growth, and connection between the earthly and divine realms. This motif isn’t isolated. We find echoes in ancient mythologies and religious art across cultures, from the Tree of Life in ancient Mesopotamia to the sacred groves of classical antiquity. The placement of this vital symbol on currency reminds me of how, over time, symbols shift and adapt. A symbol representing growth and connection is now a token of material exchange. It is not a linear progression but a cyclical one, revealing the complex interplay between cultural memory and the evolving human psyche. We are left with the question: how do such deep-seated symbols continue to resonate with us, even as their meanings transform across the ages?