Putto met een drietand, rijdend op een zeepaard c. 1526 - 1606

This engraving by Adam Fuchs depicts a winged putto wielding a trident while riding a fantastical seahorse. The trident, a symbol of power over the seas, immediately calls to mind the Greek god Poseidon, or Neptune in Roman mythology, whose dominion over the ocean depths was absolute. This emblem of authority is not confined to classical antiquity; it echoes through time, appearing in various guises. In medieval heraldry, the trident symbolizes maritime power, while in esoteric traditions, it represents a mastery of the subconscious. Observe the recurring symbolism of the trident in depictions of devils and demons, where it morphs into a pitchfork, a tool not of governance but of torment. This transformation highlights the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, shaped by the collective fears and desires of each era.