Bas-reliëf van een sarcofaag met nimfen 1640

This engraving by Reinier van Persijn depicts a bas-relief from a sarcophagus, showcasing nymphs and sea deities cavorting in the waves. Note the prominent use of marine motifs, particularly the figures riding dolphins. This symbol, deeply rooted in antiquity, can be traced back to ancient Greece, where dolphins were considered sacred creatures, guides of souls to the afterlife. We see echoes of this in Roman art, where nereids—sea nymphs—riding dolphins symbolized safe passage and transformation. Consider the emotional weight of these images; the dolphin, a benevolent creature, becomes a vehicle for human desires and fears, a symbol of hope amidst the unpredictable sea of life. This symbol transcends time, resurfacing in various forms throughout history, each time imbued with new layers of meaning, yet retaining its primal connection to the subconscious yearning for protection and transcendence.