Taking out the Thorn 

William Collins painted "Taking out the Thorn" with oils, capturing a scene of rural empathy. Here, we observe a group removing a thorn, an act echoing the ancient motif of compassion seen in depictions of Christ healing the afflicted. This simple gesture carries profound weight. Think of the recurring image of the Good Samaritan, aiding the injured. Across time, this symbol resurfaces—from ancient folklore to Renaissance paintings—each iteration echoing a deep-seated human desire to alleviate suffering. There is a collective memory at play, a subconscious recognition of our shared vulnerability. The act of removing the thorn embodies our innate capacity for empathy, engaging viewers on a visceral level. Like the ouroboros—the snake that eats its own tail—this symbol displays a non-linear progression, reappearing, evolving, and assuming new meanings in differing historical contexts.