Fascicule III 1763

This is Fascicule III, a print by Jean Claude Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non, made sometime in the 18th century. Here, the recurring motif of paired animals—lions and griffins—strikes a chord deep within our collective memory. Consider the ancient Near East, where guardian figures flanked palace entrances, their purpose to protect sacred spaces. Notice how the lions and griffins face each other symmetrically, evoking balance and guardianship. The image resonates with earlier depictions, such as the lions at Mycenae’s Lion Gate, or even the Ishtar Gate of Babylon. These images are more than mere decoration; they are potent symbols, charged with the energy of protection and power. This impulse to ward off evil and invite prosperity has evolved through centuries. It manifests in the gargoyles perched on Gothic cathedrals and the fierce dogs guarding temples in Asia. The enduring appeal of these symbols lies in their capacity to tap into our deepest fears and desires. They stir something primal within us, reminding us of the timeless human need for security. Such images echo through history, continuously transformed yet eternally resonant.