Portrait of Celsus Possibly 1574

This engraving of Celsus was created in 1574 by Johannes Sambucus in Antwerp. The portrait is encircled by an elaborate frame teeming with life: fish, a crab, a lizard, and what appears to be a badger, each element speaking to a world of interconnected symbols. Consider the lizard, a motif that slithers through time, shedding old skins to reveal new meanings. In antiquity, it was linked to wisdom and good fortune, yet it could also signify trickery. This duality reminds us of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, a symbol of both temptation and knowledge. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, intertwine, and resurface, echoing through our collective memory. Here, the lizard adds a layer of complexity to Celsus's image, inviting us to contemplate the multifaceted nature of healing and understanding. The image resonates on a subconscious level, evoking a sense of both familiarity and intrigue, a testament to the enduring power of symbols.