Oprichten van de koperen slang 1581

This drawing, whose author is unknown, depicts the raising of the copper serpent. Here, the serpent on a pole becomes a symbol of healing, an ambivalent figure associated with both poison and cure. We see afflicted individuals reaching out to it, their bodies marked by suffering, while above them, divine figures look down from the clouds. The image of the serpent carries echoes of ancient mythologies, from the caduceus of Hermes, a symbol of medicine, to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Over time, its meaning has evolved, reflecting humanity's complex relationship with nature. The serpent, once feared and revered, becomes a sign of salvation. It’s an embodiment of humanity's struggle to overcome earthly suffering and find redemption. Observe the dramatic gestures of those afflicted—they reflect a deep, subconscious yearning for healing. This reflects the image's power to engage viewers on an emotional level. Such symbols are non-linear, cyclical progressions, resurfacing and evolving in different historical contexts, and taking on new meanings.