Périandre 1634 - 1645

This engraving by Jean Couvay depicts Périandre, a tyrant of ancient Greece, adorned with symbols of power and authority. He wears a crown, holds a scepter topped with finery and an olive branch - emblems of his rule and aspirations for peace. Such symbols echo across time and cultures. Consider the scepter, for instance. From the ancient Egyptian 'sekhem' to the medieval royal staffs, it reappears as a signifier of divine authority, adapted to fit each era's cultural beliefs. Similarly, the olive branch, a classical symbol of peace, persists in various forms through Renaissance paintings and modern political cartoons. It's as though the human psyche eternally seeks ways to visually express its deepest desires for control and harmony. Perhaps these enduring symbols tap into a collective memory. They trigger emotional responses, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, a powerful force in art that continues to influence and shape our perceptions. This non-linear progression of symbols evolves and resurfaces, taking on new meanings.