A men pulling a net, with two figures behind him, from Figurine series n.d.

Salvator Rosa etched this image of a man pulling a net in the 17th century. Notice the act of pulling, heavy with symbolism. Throughout history, across cultures, this motif echoes in various forms, often symbolizing the tension between effort and outcome. Think of Hercules' labors—his pulling and straining not only demonstrated physical strength but also moral fortitude. In Rosa’s print, the act of pulling is less about triumph and more about the relentless, arduous nature of existence. Consider, too, how such images tap into our collective memory. The act of pulling might trigger a deep-seated sense of struggle. It is a shared human experience rooted in our psyche. Rosa masterfully engages our subconscious, compelling us to reflect on the cyclical nature of effort and reward, a timeless dance that echoes through art history and our own lives.