Mathilde est sauvée / Mathilde wort gered 1833 - 1856

This print by Glenisson & Van Genechten depicts Mathilde being saved, capturing a dramatic escape scene on horseback. A curved sword brandished high overhead is perhaps the most striking symbol here, instantly evoking themes of conflict, power, and decisive action. The sword is more than a weapon. Throughout history, the sword has appeared across cultures, from the Bronze Age to medieval Europe, as both a tool of war and a potent symbol of authority, justice, and protection. Think of the Archangel Michael wielding a sword, or the sword of Damocles. In this print, the sword signals a moment of heroic intervention, a disruption of the status quo. It appeals to our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions and psychological associations with bravery and rescue. Such symbolism isn't static; it evolves. As it resurfaces in different historical contexts, it takes on new layers of meaning, reflecting the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of archetypes.