Gezicht op het Maagdenhuis in Amsterdam 1780 - 1786

Cornelis Bogerts created this view of the Maagdenhuis in Amsterdam. The serpent entwined around a staff at the bottom immediately catches my eye. This is the Rod of Asclepius, a symbol of medicine derived from the Greek god of healing. While today it universally represents medicine and care, its presence here evokes a deeper cultural memory. In ancient times, snakes were associated with healing rituals, their shedding skin a metaphor for renewal and rebirth. Consider its evolution: from the healing temples of ancient Greece to its adoption by modern medical institutions. The symbol retains its core association with health but has been reinterpreted through evolving scientific and cultural lenses. Symbols carry the weight of human emotion and experience, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This emblem, deeply embedded in our collective psyche, speaks to our primal desires for health and wellbeing. This image has passed down through history, shifting in meaning through cultural and historical contexts.