Diether wird von den Rittern abgeführtIllustration zu_ Heinrich Steinhausen, „Irmela. Eine Geschichte aus alter Zeit“, Prachtausgabe, Leipzig_ Georg Böhme, [1884], S. 41 c. 1884

Wilhelm Steinhausen rendered this illustration in 1884, depicting a scene from Heinrich Steinhausen’s "Irmela." The image captures Diether being escorted by knights. Observe how the knights, clad in armor, flank Diether. The motif of armored figures evokes power and authority, deeply rooted in medieval European iconography. Consider its echoes through art history, such as the Roman soldiers on the Ara Pacis. Though separated by centuries, both project a sense of order maintained through force. The forest, a recurring symbol, here envelops the scene. Forests often signify the subconscious, danger, or transformation. Think of the fairy tales where forests are settings for trials and self-discovery. The psychological weight of the forest—both daunting and enchanting—speaks to our primal fears and fantasies, our ongoing journey through the shadows of the self. The power of the image resides in its cyclical nature. The knights and the forest continue to shape our understanding of power, protection, and the unknown. The image is a modern echo of ancient archetypes.