Kolos van Rhodos c. 1606 - 1656

This engraving by Josua van den Enden depicts the famed Kolossos of Rhodes. The colossal statue of the sun god Helios, straddling the harbor entrance, is not merely a depiction of power; it’s a beacon, literally and figuratively. Consider the torch the Kolossos holds aloft. Light, throughout art history, symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and divine presence. This motif echoes through time, from the ancient Egyptian sun god Ra to the Statue of Liberty, each a testament to humanity's yearning for guidance and freedom. But, note the differences: the Kolossos guarded a specific city, while Liberty illuminates an entire nation. The emotional power of such symbols lies in their ability to tap into our collective unconscious. They become vessels for our deepest desires and fears, passed down through generations, constantly reinterpreted, yet eternally resonant. The torch continues its non-linear journey, perpetually reborn in new contexts.