Twee olifanten, een neushoorn, een leeuw en een griffioen 1578 - 1596

This small etching presents us with an array of exotic creatures, including elephants, a rhinoceros, a lion, and a griffin. The griffin, a hybrid of lion and eagle, embodies strength and vigilance. Note how the lion and griffin are posed: this motif has ancient roots in heraldry and mythology, symbolizing courage and protection. We see it echoed through the ages—from medieval crests to modern emblems. The depiction of a lion and a griffin facing each other has appeared on emblems from different cultures and times, often representing a struggle of power. This juxtaposition of real and mythical animals invites us to consider how we perceive the world, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, engaging our subconscious. In this bestiary, the animals become more than their physical forms, representing psychological states. The cyclical recurrence of these symbols reminds us that cultural memory is not linear. Instead, it is a dynamic process of revival and reinterpretation. Each era infuses old forms with new meaning, reflecting collective dreams.