Figure on Seagoat; Man Carving Wing, from "Ex Antiquis Cameorum et Gemmae Delineata" 1599 - 1622

This engraving, part of a series of ancient gems, presents us with potent symbols. On the left, a figure rides a seagoat, a hybrid creature that marries the terrestrial with the marine, embodying the duality of nature. This seagoat is not merely decorative. It echoes through time, appearing in various guises across cultures. Think of Capricorn, a zodiac sign, or ancient Near Eastern deities, often depicted with animal-human features to represent power over land and sea. To the right we see a man carving a wing. It symbolizes the human desire to transcend earthly bounds. Wings, those potent symbols, recur from antiquity to the Renaissance, signifying spiritual aspiration. Consider the Greek god Hermes, or Renaissance angels, all bearing wings. These wings embody mankind's longing to overcome our mortal coil, soaring into realms beyond our grasp. The emotional power embedded in these symbols engages us on a subconscious level, resonating with primal desires. Thus, these images, like dreams, reveal the cyclical nature of symbols, resurfacing across time, constantly evolving and speaking to our deepest selves.