Portret van Robert Dudley, graaf van Leicester before 1601

This is an engraving of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, created by Christoffel van Sichem I. It portrays Dudley in full armor, complete with a sword and a staff. The serpent-like embellishments on his armor are particularly striking, symbolizing transformation, cunning, and the dual nature of power. We see such symbols echoed across time, from the caduceus of Hermes in antiquity to the dragons of medieval heraldry, each instance carrying its own cultural resonance. The serpent, in its endless cycle of shedding skin, also represents renewal, a concept deeply embedded in human consciousness. Such symbolism, like the ever-changing serpent, is not linear but cyclical, continually resurfacing and evolving to reflect new cultural and historical contexts. It is a testament to the enduring power of images and the ways they engage viewers on a profound, often subconscious level.