Psyche gestraft door Smart en Pijn c. 1530 - 1560

This print by the Master of the Dice depicts Psyche punished by Smart and Pain. The scene is dominated by the dramatic gesture of a female figure raising a club, a symbol of wrath and retribution, ready to strike. This motif echoes across time. We find it in ancient depictions of Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance, forever chasing hubris. Consider how this symbol shifts: from divine justice in antiquity to, perhaps, the internalized torment of the psyche in later interpretations. The raised weapon transcends its literal meaning, tapping into our collective memory of conflict and consequences. Notice how the posture of the aggressor conveys an intense emotional state. This isn't merely a depiction of punishment; it’s an embodiment of inner turmoil, capturing the viewer's attention on a subconscious level. The cyclical progression of this symbol and its re-emergence speak to its lasting power.