Janus en Juno / Neptunus op zijn wagen 1682

Valentin Lefebvre created these prints of Janus, Juno, and Neptune in the late 17th century, capturing the essence of classical mythology. On the left, Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions, sits with Juno, goddess of marriage, love, and new beginnings. Janus, with his gaze into both the past and the future, embodies duality. Observe how this duality echoes through time. Consider, for example, the Roman custom of dedicating the month of January to Janus, signifying a bridge between the old year and the new. To the right, Neptune, the god of the seas, is depicted in a dynamic composition, riding his chariot drawn by sea horses. The spirited horses create a composition of dynamic movement, a symbol of the untamed power of the ocean. The emotional intensity conveyed through these figures engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These symbols persist, evolving yet retaining their core essence. The images resonate with primal human experiences. Their cyclical journey through art and culture reminds us of the enduring power of myth and memory.