koning Ninus ter dood veroordeeld 1622

Pieter Serwouters created this print, "King Ninus Sentenced to Death," employing engraving techniques. Note the queen's commanding gesture, the pointing of her scepter – a symbol of power and judgment. This motif echoes through history, reminiscent of depictions of divine judgment. Her gesture is a performative act, laden with cultural memory. Consider, for instance, the raised hand of a judge in ancient Roman reliefs, or even the avenging angels in Renaissance paintings. The queen's gesture is not merely about power; it taps into a primal fear of judgment, resonating deeply with our subconscious understanding of authority and consequence. The fallen king embodies vulnerability and the ephemerality of power. This reminds us that these symbols and gestures are not static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface in different guises, bearing the weight of collective memory and continually engaging our subconscious.