Rechte stengel tussen kleinere stengels 1500 - 1600

This small, anonymous engraving presents us with a stylized floral arrangement, a central stem flanked by swirling leaves and blossoms. The verticality of the stem and symmetrical arrangement evoke the ancient symbol of the Tree of Life, a motif reaching back to Mesopotamian art and present in countless iterations across cultures. Consider, for example, the Assyrian sacred tree flanked by protective figures, or even the stylized fleur-de-lis, where the flower becomes an emblem of power and divinity. Over time, such representations shift, yet retain echoes of their origins, resonating with our subconscious understanding of growth, connection, and the cyclical nature of existence. This decorative pattern, then, is not merely ornamental. The image becomes a potent visual echo, invoking something deeply rooted in our shared human experience. Through it, we see how symbols are passed down, resurface, and evolve, taking on new meanings in different contexts.