Josias befaler, at alle højenes præster skal dræbes 1569

This engraving by Maarten van Heemskerck illustrates the biblical story of King Josiah ordering the execution of pagan priests. See the dramatic gestures and actions. Dominating the scene are images of violence: men wielding axes, decapitated bodies, and figures being dragged away. These motifs echo across time, appearing in ancient Roman depictions of sacrificial rites and medieval illustrations of martyrdom. The act of beheading, for instance, recurs as a potent symbol of power and justice, yet also of brutality and sacrifice. One cannot help but recall the many depictions of Salome with the head of John the Baptist, a motif laden with complex emotional and psychological weight. Such recurring imagery taps into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated fears and anxieties. The emotional power of these symbols, born from shared cultural experiences, transcends time. Thus, these motifs are not merely historical artifacts, but rather, they are powerful forces that continue to engage viewers on a subconscious level, demonstrating the cyclical progression of symbols, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings throughout history.