Vluchtende soldaat c. 1679 - 1701

This drawing, "Vluchtende soldaat," was created by Frederick Bloemaert in the 17th century. Notice the figure shielding his eyes from a radiant light, a gesture that speaks volumes. The act of shielding one’s eyes appears across time, from frightened figures in ancient frescoes to Renaissance paintings of startled saints. It represents not just physical aversion, but a deeper psychological reaction to overwhelming truth or divine revelation. Think of Caravaggio's "Conversion of Saint Paul," where Paul shields his eyes from God's blinding light. This gesture is deeply embedded in our collective memory, representing moments of profound change, fear, and the struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible. It is a visual echo, resonating through centuries, reminding us of the enduring human confrontation with the unknown. Bloemaert’s soldier is not merely fleeing; he is grappling with something that blinds and terrifies him.