Reproductie van een prent van de heilige Michaël en de draak door Martin Schongauer before 1872

This is a reproduction of a print of Saint Michael and the Dragon by Martin Schongauer. Here we see the Archangel Michael standing victoriously over the defeated dragon. This is a powerful symbol of good overcoming evil, a motif deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. The image of a divine figure battling a serpent is ancient, predating even Christianity. Think of ancient Mesopotamian art, where gods like Marduk confront serpentine monsters embodying chaos. The Christian narrative reframes this primal battle, casting Michael as the defender of faith against the diabolical dragon, the embodiment of the Devil. Notice how Michael's spear pierces the dragon, a gesture of dominance. Yet, this isn't merely physical. It's a symbolic act of suppressing primal, chaotic forces within ourselves and society. Consider how this symbol has evolved. From ancient myths to medieval morality plays, it resurfaces, adapting to new cultural contexts. It speaks to our enduring need to confront and overcome our deepest fears, the 'dragons' that lurk in our subconscious.