Moses and the Brazen Serpent n.d.

François Verdier created this drawing, “Moses and the Brazen Serpent,” using pen and black ink with gray wash. Here, the serpent on the pole is a potent emblem, steeped in layers of meaning. The serpent entwined on the pole takes us back to ancient healing cults, where snakes symbolized regeneration and medicine. Verdier presents us with a biblical tale, but this symbol also echoes through the caduceus of Hermes, a symbol of medicine. One witnesses its transformation from a pagan symbol to a symbol of divine intervention and healing, connecting the ancient world to the Christian narrative. Observe the emotional turmoil of those afflicted. This raw display of human emotion—anguish, hope, and desperation—strikes a chord deep within us, tapping into our collective memories of suffering and redemption. This emotional language transcends time, engaging us on a primal level. This symbol’s journey—from ancient cults to biblical narrative—demonstrates the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface, evolve, and find new resonance across centuries.