Rechterhelft van een grote cartouche met een voorstelling van de Nacht 1567

This engraving, made by Pieter van der Heyden in the 16th century, depicts a cartouche representing the night, brimming with symbolic imagery. Note the sleeping figure accompanied by an owl – both ancient symbols of the night and of wisdom, respectively. The cartouche is filled with other nocturnal motifs such as the moon, an eagle, and various figures amidst the darkness, alluding to the mysteries and introspective nature of the night. We can trace the owl as a symbol of wisdom back to ancient Greece, associated with Athena. Yet, in other contexts, the owl takes on darker associations. Similarly, sleep, represented here, can symbolize both rest and death. Observe how the artist intertwines classical and Renaissance elements, creating a complex interplay of light and shadow, reflecting our subconscious fears and fantasies. This evokes an emotional and psychological response that engages viewers on a profound, almost primal level.