Simeon 1550

This engraving titled "Simeon" was made by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert, a Dutch artist who lived in the 16th century. Here, we see Simeon, a biblical figure, armed with a sword, standing amidst ruins, with a wolf at his feet and a statue of a woman behind him. The sword is a powerful symbol, representing justice, authority, but also potential violence. It reminds us of countless depictions of heroes and warriors throughout art history. One might think of the Greek god Ares, or Mars in Roman guise, ever wielding weapons, ever ready to spill blood in moments of fury. The wolf, in contrast, is a complex symbol. Often seen as a symbol of savagery, it can also signify loyalty and protection, echoing Romulus and Remus, raised by a wolf and thus destined to build Rome. This ambivalence speaks to the duality of human nature, the constant struggle between instinct and reason. Such symbols work on our collective memory, engaging us in a primal dance of recognition. The cyclical progression of these symbols is perpetual. They resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings, weaving through the fabric of time, culture, and our subconscious.