De Britse pis en pas afsnijdster, 1713 1713

This print, “De Britse pis en pas afsnijdster,” was made in 1713 by Bernard Picart and resides in the Rijksmuseum. Notice the image of a man castrating another individual within the confines of a bedchamber. The bed, typically associated with rest and intimacy, here becomes a stage for violence. This act, laden with symbolism, transcends its immediate context. Castration appears in many myths, such as that of Uranus, whose castration by his son Cronus marked a shift in cosmic order. The motif embodies themes of power, rebellion, and the cyclical nature of creation and destruction. Observe how such imagery can be deeply unsettling, tapping into primal fears of loss and violation. Consider how the act mirrors ancient rituals, reflecting the enduring fascination with control over the body and the human psyche. The act of cutting, appearing here and in other contexts, highlights a non-linear progression of symbols, recurring and evolving across time.