A Dragonfly 1706 - 1769

This delicate drawing of a dragonfly was made by Nicolaas Struyk. Consider the symbolic weight of the dragonfly. Across cultures, the dragonfly, with its iridescent wings, often embodies transformation and adaptability, flitting between worlds of water and air. In Japan, it is revered as a symbol of summer and autumn, of strength and victory. But observe how the dragonfly appears in other contexts—sometimes as a messenger from the spirit world, or a sign of illusion and change. This duality is not merely decorative; it engages our subconscious, stirring ancient associations with metamorphosis. Think of the butterfly, a close cousin in transformation, linked in the psyche to the soul’s journey. The dragonfly, too, invites us to reflect on life's fleeting moments, its shimmering beauty a reminder of the ever-changing currents of existence. This symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols.