Gheschiedenissen Israels in de Woestyne 1646

This is a page from Jan Philipsz Schabaelje’s book *Gheschiedenissen Israels in de Woestyne*, printed in the Netherlands in the 17th century. The dominant symbol here is the letter ‘A’, ornately decorated with foliage and figures, marking the beginning of a chapter recounting the Israelites' journey through the desert. The initial 'A' evokes the classical tradition of illuminated manuscripts, a practice dating back to the early Middle Ages. This symbol of new beginnings also appears in various religious and secular contexts throughout history. Consider the Tree of Jesse motif, where a genealogical tree springs from the letter ‘J’ to trace Christ's lineage. Or the serpent, a symbol of chaos, and healing, depending on the culture it appears in. Here, the ornate ‘A’ symbolizes not just a beginning, but the start of a transformative journey. The image and the stories it introduces engage viewers on a subconscious level, tapping into the collective memory of humanity’s quest for meaning and redemption. It's a cycle of cultural memory, reappearing, evolving, and accruing new layers of significance across the ages.