Perseus en Andromeda 1576 - 1628

This engraving by Jan Collaert II depicts Perseus rescuing Andromeda, a classical myth ripe with enduring symbols. Andromeda, chained to a rock, embodies vulnerability and sacrifice. This motif echoes through ages, from medieval depictions of martyred saints to modern images of oppression. Her pose—arms raised, body exposed—speaks to a universal human condition of helplessness. In contrast, Perseus, sword in hand, represents courage and salvation. He is the archetypal hero, descending to confront the monstrous serpent, a symbol of chaos and fear. The serpent's gaping maw is a recurring image of the monstrous feminine, threatening to consume and destroy. Yet, Perseus's triumph over it speaks to the human capacity to overcome primal anxieties. The myth taps into our collective memory, resonating with deep-seated fears and hopes that continue to shape our cultural narratives. The story is not linear, but a continuous cycle, with these symbols resurfacing and evolving.