Cronica Cronicarum (...), blad 10 verso Possibly 1521 - 1529

This woodcut, a page from the "Cronica Cronicarum," presents a chronological lineage of popes and emperors, intertwined in a dance of power. Observe the recurring motif of circular medallions, each encapsulating a pontiff or ruler, connected by lines that map the progression of time and authority. The image of the papacy, with its triple crown, resonates with earlier depictions of kingship, echoing the scepters and diadems of ancient rulers. Consider how this symbol has transformed. Once a marker of earthly dominion, it evolved into a representation of spiritual supremacy. Such symbols resonate deeply, tapping into our collective memory. The crown, for instance, stirs subconscious associations with power, authority, and the cyclical nature of leadership. Like a snake eating its own tail, this symbol resurfaces throughout history. It reappears in new guises, each time carrying echoes of its past, reminding us of our shared human story.