Ariane en Erycine worden ontvoerd door drie gewapende mannen 1639

Abraham Bosse’s etching depicts the abduction of Ariane and Erycine by three armed men. Observe how the act of carrying away, a recurring motif in art, carries potent symbolism. The manner in which these men hoist the women—limp and seemingly unconscious—echoes similar scenes across epochs. Consider the "Rape of the Sabine Women," where a show of force established dominance and wifely lineage. Here, the limpness of the women is a visualization of a loss of agency. Throughout history, this very gesture shifts in meaning, appearing in religious contexts, such as the deposition of Christ from the cross. It is not only a physical act but also a symbolic transfer of power. Subconsciously, the act of carrying might evoke a mix of protection and control, echoing primal instincts. Bosse’s composition triggers deep-seated fears and desires, engaging us on a subconscious level, reminding us that these symbols are never truly static; they resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings in our ever-shifting cultural landscape.