Zes gezichten op Mars before 1900

These six views of Mars were drawn in 1899 by Ferdinand Quénisset, charting the planet's features as observed through a telescope. Consider the circle—a symbol of wholeness, eternity, and the cosmos. Here, each rendering of Mars is contained within a perfect circle, echoing ancient cosmological diagrams representing the universe. Yet, these are not perfect, idealized spheres; dark lines bisect each orb, suggesting canals, shadowy forms that stir the imagination. The circle of the cosmos, bisected. It reminds me of the serpent Ouroboros biting its tail. This symbolizes a continuous cycle of destruction and creation, mirroring the endless quest for knowledge. Now, consider how this ancient symbol surfaces time and again – from alchemical illustrations to modern scientific diagrams, it conveys humanity's fascination with cosmic cycles. The psychological appeal of the circle lies in its subconscious pull, evoking feelings of completion, while the lines hint at division, suggesting a tension between order and the unknown.