Broadside with 48 scenes relating to the story of the enchanted lady (Dama encantada) 1855 - 1865

This broadside, created by José Noguera in the 1800s, depicts the tale of an enchanted lady through a series of small scenes. Notice the serpent motif—a potent symbol of transformation, lurking throughout the narrative. From ancient Near Eastern myths to the Garden of Eden, the serpent embodies both chaos and wisdom. The serpent appears in the underworld in Greek mythology, in the form of Python, guardian of Delphi. In ancient Egypt, it symbolized royalty and divinity in the form of the Uraeus. Here, the serpent's presence suggests a world where hidden forces and primal instincts are at play. Its multiple appearances underscore the constant threat and the transformative journey the characters undertake. Consider how such enduring images tap into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated fears and hopes. The serpent’s ever-changing skin mirrors the enchanted lady’s shifting fate and transformation, echoing through centuries of art and myth. This reminds us that symbols are never static, but continually reborn, carrying echoes of the past into the present.