Zes balusters of termen bovenaan en vier termen onderaan 1610

This 17th-century engraving by Gabriel Kramer presents a series of balusters and terms, showcasing the artistic and architectural interests of the period. Note the prominent use of the Ionic order, identifiable by the volutes—those scroll-like ornaments atop the columns, symbolizing wisdom and contemplation since ancient Greece. The recurrence of human figures integrated into the architectural elements draws our attention. These 'terms,' or herms, figures emerging from pillars, have roots in ancient Greece, where they were associated with Hermes, the messenger god, serving as boundary markers and protectors. We observe a dance of forms, from the fluted columns to the grotesque masks—echoing motifs found in ancient Roman art—symbols of protection that were meant to ward off evil spirits. The rhythmic repetition of these motifs, along with the play of light and shadow, evoke a sense of harmony but also a deeper, subconscious connection to ancestral beliefs and the ongoing dialogue between humanity and the cosmos. These images live through time, re-emerging in new contexts.