The pyramids of Egypt 1572

Philips Galle etched “The Pyramids of Egypt,” envisioning these ancient structures with the symbolic language of his time. Dominating the scene, the pyramids and obelisks stand as testaments to pharaonic power and beliefs. The obelisk, a slender, tapering monument, appears throughout history. It stands as an axis mundi, connecting the earthly and divine realms. We see it in ancient Egypt, where it was dedicated to the sun god Ra, and later, adapted by the Romans, eventually finding its way into Christian contexts, topping churches in Rome. Here, the owl, a creature of the night, evokes wisdom, and perhaps, a deeper, hidden knowledge. It links to ancient Greek associations with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, but also carries darker connotations tied to the subconscious and the shadows of human understanding. Such symbols persist in our collective memory, resurfacing and transforming, ever potent.