Portrait of Aretaeus Possibly 1574

This engraving of Aretaeus, a physician from Cappadocia, was created in 1574 by Johannes Sambucus. Encircling Aretaeus is an ornate frame adorned with fruit, foliage, and grotesque masks. These visual elements offer a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual milieu of the 16th century. The grotesque masks at the top, a motif revived during the Renaissance, are of particular interest. These faces, often fantastical and exaggerated, can be traced back to ancient Roman art, where they were used to ward off evil spirits. However, their reappearance here suggests a deeper engagement with the past, tapping into a collective memory of protection and the uncanny. Such symbols remind us that images are never truly new but constantly cycle through history, adapting and accumulating new meanings. The artist consciously or unconsciously channels ancient anxieties and aspirations. The visual language speaks to our shared human experience across time.