Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Swing 

Here we see "Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Swing" by Scott Gustafson, where the iconic egg sits jovially on a book, suspended by ropes against a backdrop of clouds. Humpty Dumpty, drawn from an old English nursery rhyme, initially appears as a symbol of fragility, poised for a fall. But note his whimsical, carefree expression. He embodies a paradox of vulnerability and joy, riding on a book, suggesting knowledge or wisdom as his support. The act of sitting on a swing is, in itself, an ancient motif, evoking freedom and a return to childhood innocence. Recall images of Eros on a swing, or even the goddess Fortuna, both symbolizing the volatile nature of fate. Humpty Dumpty's precarious perch, combined with his oblivious glee, engages the viewer on a deeper psychological level. The cultural memory of the nursery rhyme clashes with this depiction, reminding us that symbols are never fixed. They evolve, gain new layers, and resurface in unexpected forms, carried by the currents of time and imagination.