Titelprent voor de serie van deugden 1600 - 1670

Isaac Briot etched this title page for a series on virtues, embedding potent symbols of theological and cardinal virtues. At the center, we see the all-seeing eye radiating divine light. It evokes not only Christian iconography, but also ancient solar deities, an embodiment of higher knowledge and omnipresence. Encircling this divine emblem are allegorical figures representing virtues such as Justice, Prudence, and Charity. Observe how Charity, depicted as a mother nursing a child, echoes ancient images of nurturing goddesses. This archetype stretches back through time, from the Egyptian Isis to the Roman Ceres, each embodying fertility and care. Consider how this motif has evolved. In the Renaissance, it was reborn, infused with Christian ideals. Briot’s etching reminds us that these images tap into a primal part of our collective psyche, triggering feelings of comfort, security, and love. It is a powerful reminder of how symbols transcend epochs, continually reshaping themselves while retaining a grip on our deepest emotions.