De man met de vuurpijl 1695 - 1704

Cornelis Dusart created this print, "The Man with the Fire Arrow," in the late 17th century using etching and engraving. Here, the figure prepares a fire arrow, a tool of both celebration and warfare. Observe the prominent display of the arrow itself. This motif appears throughout history, evolving from ancient symbols of aggression to emblems of festive displays. One sees echoes of this in the fiery arrows depicted in medieval battle scenes, symbols of conflict and chaos, or in contemporary celebrations, such as firework displays in which the arrow represents joy. Consider how this primal connection to fire and light taps into our collective memory, evoking sensations of warmth, danger, and transformation. It’s a symbol that resonates on a visceral level, its meaning shifting yet remaining deeply rooted in the human psyche. Such enduring symbols reveal how images transcend time, continuously re-emerging and transforming across cultural landscapes.