Dimensions: height 263 mm, width 165 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This engraving by Willem Swidde, dating back to the late 17th century, depicts ancient grave fields and a peculiar sphere near Ingelstad. Notice the circular arrangements of stones, the grave fields, symbols of ancient burial traditions. These patterns evoke a sense of timelessness, mirroring similar formations found across Europe, from the stone circles of Britain to the burial mounds of Scandinavia. The sphere presented here is more curious, adorned with spiral motifs. Spirals, universal symbols of growth, evolution, and the cyclical nature of life, have appeared across cultures from Minoan pottery to Celtic carvings. This motif echoes the deeper human fascination with eternity. The image captures the enduring human need to honor the dead. It’s a reminder that even in different epochs, humankind seeks to find meaning in the face of mortality. These visual echoes prompt us to reflect on the cyclical dance of existence and the recurring motifs that bind us across time.
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