The Immaculate Conception 

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo painted The Immaculate Conception. Here, the Virgin Mary floats amidst clouds and angels, standing serenely upon a globe entwined by a serpent. The serpent is an ancient symbol, often representing chaos and temptation, echoing back to the Garden of Eden. Here, it signifies original sin, over which Mary triumphs. Her immaculate conception, free from sin, positions her as a powerful intercessor, a bridge between humanity and the divine. Consider the serpent's presence in classical antiquity, too, as a symbol of healing and knowledge, entwined around the staff of Asclepius. Yet, here, it undergoes a transformation, subjugated beneath the Virgin’s feet. This act of dominance has the power to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The composition conveys intense emotional states, a potent image engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. The symbolic transformation of the serpent—from a symbol of wisdom to one of evil, and finally to a defeated entity—demonstrates the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, which resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical contexts.