Odysseus krijgt een aalmoes van een van zijn bedienden 1632 - 1633

This etching by Theodoor van Thulden depicts a scene from the Odyssey, with Odysseus receiving alms from one of his servants. Note the sphinxes guarding the entrance—symbols of enigma and power since ancient Egypt, adopted by the Greeks and Romans. We see similar motifs across time, from the gates of Mycenae to Renaissance fountains, sphinxes evoke the past, guarding secrets. Here, they frame the doorway, adding a layer of mystery to the scene. Consider how the image of the dog at the feet of Odysseus contrasts with the Sphinxes. The act of giving alms touches on our collective memory, recurring in art across cultures and religions. It speaks to a subconscious desire for justice and compassion, engaging us on a deeply emotional level. These symbols are not static; they evolve, resurfacing in new contexts, constantly reshaping their meaning as they journey through time.