Portret van Menasseh Ben Israël 1640s

This is Salomon Italia's 1642 engraving of Menasseh Ben Israel. The books bear Hebrew script and the phrase "Peregrinando Quaerimus" is an echo of the eternal wanderer. This emblematic figure transcends simple movement; it embodies the spiritual and intellectual quest of the Jewish diaspora. Consider the recurring figure of the wanderer, present in ancient Greek myths like Odysseus, or the biblical tale of the Ark. In each instance, the wanderer navigates uncertainty, always in search of understanding. Even today, this resonates with the human spirit. We are reminded of our shared ancestry and the timeless desire to find our place in the world. This engraving is not merely a portrait. It's a map of cultural memory, reflecting a deeper understanding of the human condition. It presents a cyclical view of history, where past and present converge.