Temple of Serapis, pediment and cornice, projection view 1555

This sheet depicting the Temple of Serapis was rendered by Master AP in the late 16th century. It meticulously details the temple's pediment and cornice through precise lines. Note the figure with what looks like wings and decorated with foliage: it embodies the enduring motif of the 'Victory' figure, seen across classical antiquity. This symbol, with its roots in Hellenistic art, surfaces again and again—as Nike in Greece, and later adapted by the Romans. Over time, it was reimagined through different lenses, often associated with triumph and divine favor. The visual language of antiquity became a wellspring of inspiration in the 16th century. Artists tapped into this shared cultural memory, repurposing classical forms to evoke a sense of grandeur. Observe how the artist imbued this image with the symbolic weight of history. This visual motif remains a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, testifying to the cyclical progression of symbols throughout history.