Veldslag bij Egyptische piramides 1872

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this battle scene near the Egyptian pyramids, capturing a moment of intense conflict with simple lines. The pyramids, ancient symbols of power and eternity, loom in the background. In the foreground, figures clash, weapons raised, embodying the timeless human drama of war. Consider the raised sword, a motif echoing through epochs. We see it in ancient Roman friezes, medieval tapestries, and even modern cinema, a gesture signifying courage, defiance, and the will to power. The sword's arc cuts through the air, a visual echo of humanity's recurring struggles. This image encapsulates the cyclical nature of history. Breitner’s sketch brings to mind the concept of the 'engram', a pattern etched in our collective unconscious. These symbols resonate across time, their emotional power undiminished, engaging viewers on a deep, almost subconscious level. Like a recurring dream, these forms resurface, evolving, yet forever linked to their primal origins.