Flaminische obelisk op Piazza del Popolo te Rome 1589

Here we see an engraving depicting the Flaminian Obelisk in the Piazza del Popolo in Rome. The obelisk, originally from Heliopolis in Egypt, is covered with hieroglyphs, ancient symbols of a lost world. Consider the serpent winding its way up the side; this motif echoes the caduceus, a symbol of medicine and commerce, linking ancient wisdom with Renaissance aspirations. The cross atop the obelisk marks its transformation, a potent emblem of Christianity grafted onto pagan roots. The obelisk itself, a monolithic needle pointing skyward, is an ancient symbol of solar power and earthly authority, reminiscent of similar structures found in Egypt. This shape is not new. It mirrors ancient desires to connect with the divine, an impulse that resurfaces across cultures. Here, it represents the Church’s power, asserting dominance over the classical world. The image resonates with a psychological tension; the integration of pagan and Christian symbols reflects our constant struggle to reconcile the past with the present. This complex interplay speaks to the cyclical nature of history, with ancient symbols continually re-emerging, each time imbued with new layers of meaning.