Het vertrek van Abraham en Lot uit Egypte 1777

This print by Francesco Bartolozzi depicts the departure of Abraham and Lot from Egypt. Dominating the scene, a date palm stands tall, a symbol of prosperity and triumph, and a subtle nod to the land they are leaving behind. Observe how the palm, revered in ancient Egypt, also appears in Christian art as a symbol of martyrdom and victory over death. This connection is not coincidental; it reveals the afterlife of symbols, their ability to transcend cultures and epochs. Consider the act of departure itself. Leaving Egypt, a place of both refuge and oppression, mirrors the universal human experience of seeking liberation. The pyramids in the background are a vestige of power and a subtle reminder of the burden of the past. The act of leaving echoes through time. The image resonates with our collective memory, reminding us of endless cycles of departure and return. In each era, it resurfaces, changed yet still potent.