Gevecht tussen Amazones en Grieken (deel linksonder) 1648 - 1670

This print by François Ragot captures a battle between Greeks and Amazons, its figures writhing in a scene of violence. Note the motif of the fallen warrior. Here, an Amazon lies prostrate, mirroring countless depictions of defeated figures throughout art history. This posture, laden with connotations of vulnerability and submission, can be traced back to ancient sculptures of dying Gauls. We see it echoed again and again, each time infused with the cultural anxieties of its age. Consider how this symbol engages our subconscious. The fallen figure triggers deep-seated emotions of pity and fear, reminding us of our own mortality and the ever-present threat of defeat. Its enduring presence across epochs speaks to a collective memory, a shared understanding of human suffering and resilience. It is this cyclical progression of symbols that captivates me – how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, yet always carry echoes of the past.