Drie soldaten, een oude man en een vrouw met kind 1753

This etching, by Johann Georg Wille, presents a scene dominated by a soldier pointing towards an ominous pyramid on the horizon. Pyramids, historically symbols of power and eternity, evoke a sense of ancient, immutable authority. Observe the pointing gesture— a motif that transcends time. We see it echoed in Renaissance paintings, where figures direct our gaze toward divine revelations, and even in advertisements, subtly guiding our desires. This assertive gesture, ingrained in our collective memory, taps into our primal instinct to follow direction. The pyramid looming in the background casts a psychological shadow, a reminder of mortality and the weight of history. It reappears throughout history, shifting in meaning, from the tombs of pharaohs to modern architectural statements of ambition. This image engages viewers on a deep subconscious level, prompting introspection on themes of power and fate. The symbol of the pyramid and the pointing soldier, laden with cultural baggage, resurface and evolve, taking on new meanings, engaging with us through shifting historical contexts, and inviting us to reflect on our place within the grand, non-linear narrative of human history.