De wraak van de tovenaar Virgilius c. 1506 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer etched “The Revenge of the Wizard Virgil” in the 16th century. Here, Virgil sits enthroned, gazing to the left, holding a scepter topped with a lily. His revenge plays out before him as he torments his offenders. The scepter, an ancient symbol of power and authority, topped with the lily, often associated with purity and divinity, underscores Virgil’s almost god-like command over his situation. One can’t help but think of ancient rulers, like those depicted in Egyptian art, who held similar staffs as emblems of their power. This symbol transcends time, appearing in various guises across cultures. Virgil's revenge, a psychological drama, taps into our subconscious fascination with power, justice, and retribution. This image reminds us that symbols are never static; they evolve, resurface, and continue to engage us in an endless cycle of reinterpretation.