Allegory of Europe, from "Jeu de la Géographie" 1644

Stefano della Bella etched this Allegory of Europe as part of a "Jeu de la Géographie." Here, Europe is not just a place; she is a majestic queen, regally seated on a chariot. The chariot, drawn by horses adorned with crosses, symbolizes the continent's power and its Christian identity. This echoes classical iconography, where gods and emperors rode chariots to signify triumph and authority. The scepter she holds is reminiscent of those wielded by ancient rulers. Consider, for instance, the scepter of Roman emperors. What starts as a symbol of earthly power can be transformed over time into a symbol of divine right. It's an evolution that speaks volumes about the interplay between ambition and cultural memory. The image resonates with a yearning for order and control, a desire to assert dominance over the chaos of the world. This longing for stability, deeply ingrained in the collective psyche, resurfaces time and again, each time cloaked in new symbols and meanings.