Hoer van Babylon before 1646

This woodcut, made by Christoffel van Sichem II, presents a visual interpretation of the biblical 'Whore of Babylon' from the Book of Revelation. The central figure, a woman adorned in royal attire, symbolizes the decadence and corruption associated with the city of Babylon, holding up a candelabra. Note how the seven-headed beast looms beside her, a symbol deeply rooted in ancient mythologies, representing chaos and primal power. We see echoes of this motif in other traditions, from the Hydra of Greek legends to various multi-headed deities across cultures, each embodying overwhelming, untamable forces. Consider how this symbol has carried the weight of fear and fascination through millennia, resurfacing in different guises to capture our deepest anxieties about the unknown. It's a potent image, tapping into humanity's collective memory of monstrous entities and moral downfall. Through this woodcut, van Sichem connects the viewer to a lineage of symbolic representation that transcends time. The symbolism highlights how cultural anxieties evolve and how our subconscious engages with images.