Elia gevoed door de raven 1630 - 1750

This engraving depicts the prophet Elijah being fed by ravens, highlighting a potent symbol of divine intervention. In a moment of crisis, it is ravens—often seen as ominous—that bring sustenance to the prophet in the wilderness. This subverts expectations, suggesting that even the darkest forces can be instruments of a higher power. Consider the raven, a creature associated with death and ill omen in many cultures. Yet here, it is the unexpected savior, much like the wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus. This is a recurring theme of the animal nourisher, the *imago* of the protective animal, that appears across ancient cultures. The raven, then, becomes a complex symbol: a dark figure performing an act of grace. This engraving is a powerful reminder of how symbols can shift in meaning over time, shaped by collective memory. It engages our subconscious understanding of good and evil, reminding us that such boundaries are not always clear-cut.