Fabel van de broer en de zus 1769

Simon Fokke created this small etching, now at the Rijksmuseum, in the 18th century. The scene depicts a brother and sister, but observe more closely the figure carrying what appears to be a sun disk. This symbol, a radiant solar disk, has ancient roots, appearing in Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greek mythologies. The sun, often associated with deities, represents enlightenment, life-giving energy, and power. Here, in this garden scene, its presence transforms a simple sibling fable into a timeless narrative. Consider how the sun disk appears in ancient Egyptian art, held aloft by gods, or how Apollo, the Greek sun god, drove his chariot across the sky. This symbol persists, evolving, yet retaining its core essence of vitality and illumination, tapping into our collective memory. It powerfully engages viewers, sparking primal associations with light, warmth, and the cyclical nature of life itself. Thus, the sun disk motif transcends time. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, reminding us of the enduring power of symbols to convey profound ideas and emotions across generations.