Zes munten met portretten van mannen en vrouwen uit de klassieke oudheid: letter BL C

Richard Collin created this print of classical figures in the 17th century, rendered as if embossed on ancient coins. Observe the figure labeled ‘Regina Amazon.’ She bears a labrys, or double-headed axe, a symbol resonating with layers of meaning. In antiquity, this axe was a symbol of matriarchal power and religious authority, linked to goddesses and priestesses. We see echoes of this symbol across time—from Minoan Crete to various Anatolian cultures. Its journey reflects a recurring theme: the shifting roles and powers attributed to female figures in society. The axe, initially a sacred emblem, evolves, its meanings shaped by cultural memory and the subconscious desires of those who re-appropriate it. Consider how such symbols persist, transformed yet recognizable, engaging our collective psyche with ancestral echoes. The image becomes a battleground of cultural forces, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The past, present, and future intertwine, demonstrating the cyclical progression of symbols.