Galliërs trekken zich terug tijdens een veldslag met de Romeinen 1574

This engraving, made by an anonymous artist, depicts Gauls retreating during a battle with the Romans. Here, the shield, a dominant symbol, represents defense and the warrior's honor. We see this motif echoing through time, notably in classical Greek art where shields are emblazoned with symbols of power and protection. Consider how the shield has morphed from a practical tool to a potent emblem of identity and status. In heraldry, shields bear family crests, speaking volumes about lineage and loyalty. The human psyche engages with the shield as a protective barrier, both physically and emotionally. The shield is not merely a static object; it is a vessel of cultural memory, constantly evolving, reappearing in new contexts. Like the ouroboros, it embodies the cyclical nature of history, continually reinventing itself.