Allegorische voorstelling met Tabula Cebetis 1670

This engraving by Romeyn de Hooghe, created around the turn of the 18th century, presents an allegorical scene teeming with symbolism, inspired by the "Tabula Cebetis," a philosophical diagram. Notice the mountain at the center, a classical motif representing life's trials, populated by figures enacting various human follies. This echoes the "Ladder of Virtue," a concept found across cultures, from ancient Greek philosophy to Renaissance art, symbolizing the ascent towards moral perfection. The mountain, a place of both danger and enlightenment, resonates with our collective memory, evoking the arduous journey of self-improvement. The figures appear to be in turmoil, hinting at the psychological aspect of the scene, engaging viewers on a subconscious level to consider their own moral and emotional states. The "Tabula Cebetis" is itself part of a long, cyclical progression, resurfacing in different contexts throughout history. From ancient philosophical texts to early modern interpretations, each era reshapes its meaning to address contemporary concerns, demonstrating the endurance of symbolic language across time.