Gargantua: Chapter XXII - Les jeux 1942

Bernard Reder created this woodcut, titled 'Gargantua: Chapter XXII - Les jeux' at an unknown date, showing figures in motion and playful interaction. The most dominant motif here is the elevated figure, suggesting dominance and power. The image reminds us of the ancient motif of the hero or deity descending from above, found in countless mythologies and religious narratives, such as Zeus, or the gods of ancient Greece. This symbol has been used to represent divine intervention, guidance, or judgment, and resonates across cultures. Such images tap into our collective memory, evoking primal emotions. The emotional power lies in its ability to symbolize authority. It reappears, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, but still retains a symbolic echo of its original meaning.