Jullieta Killed Along with Her Daughter, Tarsus, AD 304 1684

Jan Luyken created this print depicting the martyrdom of Jullieta and her son around 1700. At the center, we see a figure being whipped before a classical column, a cruel scene juxtaposed against the stoic architecture. This act of violence reminds us of the power of symbols within cultural memory. The column, a symbol of order and civilization, appears repeatedly in art history—from triumphal arches to religious iconography—yet here it stands as a silent witness to barbaric acts. The vulnerability of the human body contrasts sharply with the rigid, unwavering column. Think of other martyrs, or even the crucifixion of Christ; the body, exposed and abused, becomes a potent symbol of resistance against tyranny, a theme that recurs across epochs. The image taps into our collective psyche, engaging with primal fears and desires. We grapple with themes of justice, power, and sacrifice. The symbol of the column is ever evolving, reflecting the cyclical nature of history, where past traumas resurface in new contexts, challenging us to confront the enduring shadows of human nature.