Two Different Halves of Cartouches Each Showing an Eagle Fighting a Serpent 1646

Here is a 17th-century print by Stefano della Bella featuring two cartouches, each depicting an eagle locked in mortal combat with a serpent. This imagery is a potent symbol of the struggle between good and evil, a theme that stretches back into antiquity. Consider the serpent, a symbol of chaos and temptation, battling the eagle, representing light and spiritual ascendancy. This motif echoes through time: from ancient Mesopotamian myths to the Christian iconography where the eagle symbolizes the soul's ascent to God, and the serpent represents sin. Recall the feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl, a deity revered in ancient Mesoamerica, embodying duality. Observe how the emotional weight of this conflict transcends mere representation. It speaks to our subconscious, where primal fears and aspirations clash. This visual language resonates deeply, engaging viewers on a visceral level. It's a recurring drama in the theater of the human psyche. The cyclical progression of this symbol highlights its enduring relevance, constantly reappearing across cultures and epochs, each time imbued with new significance.