Peleus besluipt de slapende Thetis c. 1636 - 1670

This engraving, made by Crispijn van de Passe II, depicts Peleus creeping up on the sleeping Thetis. Note the serpent Peleus holds; it’s a potent symbol of transformation and primal energy. In many cultures, the serpent is revered as a guardian of sacred spaces and a symbol of rebirth, linking the earth with the underworld. Thetis, a sea nymph, is often shown near water, such as the sea monster at the opening of the cave. This evokes earlier depictions of marine deities and sea creatures symbolizing both the life-giving and chaotic aspects of the ocean. Consider the Minoan snake goddess—her image resonates through millennia, reappearing in countless forms. What was once a symbol of feminine power and healing has, over time, been demonized or co-opted, yet its primal energy continues to stir deep within the collective unconscious. The emotional power of such images lies in their ability to tap into our most basic instincts and fears, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This serpent's symbolism reflects our ongoing negotiation with primal energies, forever resurfacing and evolving across history.