De achtste plaag in Egypte 1755 - 1779

This print by the Kaiserlich Franziskische Akademie depicts the eighth plague of Egypt. Swarms of locusts descend upon the land, a punishment for the Pharaoh's refusal to free the Israelites. Consider the locusts themselves – a symbol of devastation. They echo images of earlier destructive forces, like the biblical flood, or even the mythical harpies. The chaotic energy they embody has surfaced time and again. Locust swarms, in particular, recur in art and cultural memory. They symbolize not only physical destruction but also a deeper, existential dread. The emotional impact of this image lies in its portrayal of collective fear. This shared experience, ingrained in our cultural memory, transcends time. It evokes a profound sense of vulnerability, reminding us of the unpredictable and destructive forces that can descend upon us at any moment. This image acts as a carrier, embodying shared anxieties across generations.