12. The Council of the Gods 1625

Peter Paul Rubens rendered "The Council of the Gods" with oil on canvas, capturing a divine assembly. Here, Zeus wields his scepter, a symbol of authority inherited from ancient Near Eastern rulers, while a rainbow hints at reconciliation, much like in the biblical narrative of Noah. Notice how Rubens positions these gods amongst swirling clouds, echoing the iconography of celestial gatherings found in both classical and Renaissance art. Take, for instance, Hermes's caduceus, a staff entwined with snakes, which appears in Greek and Roman art as a symbol of commerce and negotiation, and even finds resonance in modern medicine. This symbol, much like the gods themselves, has morphed through time, its core significance enduring. Such imagery taps into a deep, collective memory, stirring emotions linked to our ancestors. Rubens masterfully evokes this subconscious connection, reminding us of how symbols persist and evolve, continuing to shape our understanding of power, peace, and communication.