Titelblad til "Terlons historiske mærkværdigheder", 2. del 1752 - 1756

This title page, etched by Jonas Haas in the 18th century, presents us with more than just the announcement of a historical text. Notice the figure at the center of the image. Poised on a sphere, the woman carries a bow, suggesting the hunt, but she also extends her hand, seemingly scattering seeds or stars. This figure, reminiscent of classical representations of Fortune or Abundance, stands between a barren landscape and one overflowing with growth. Similar figures appear throughout art history, from Roman coins to Renaissance allegories. In each instance, the gesture of scattering carries connotations of divine power, of bestowing gifts upon humanity. Is this a symbol of hope or a sign of inevitable cycles of fortune and misfortune? Perhaps both, speaking to our shared, subconscious understanding of the ebbs and flows of life.