Ariadne 1510 - 1569

This engraving of Ariadne was rendered by Jacob Binck in the 16th century. Crowned with stars, Ariadne, once a mortal, embodies a celestial destiny granted by Bacchus. The crown, a potent symbol, connects Ariadne to the stellar realm. This motif is found in various guises across cultures, from ancient Egyptian headdresses signifying divine authority, to the halos of Christian saints denoting spiritual enlightenment. The stars themselves, scattered across the night sky, have been perennial symbols of guidance, fate, and the eternal. Consider how this symbol has been passed down through history. Originally, the crown was a sign of earthly power, later, in a psychoanalytic frame, it evolved into a symbol of psychological integration, reflecting our collective subconscious desire to transcend mortality, to leave our earthly bounds. The emotional weight of this transformation is palpable, engaging the viewer on a deep, subconscious level. This constellation has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.