Zeegod op een dolfijn 1780 - 1849

David-Pierre Giottino Humbert de Superville created this drawing of a sea god on a dolphin. Here, the figure of a male deity atop a dolphin evokes a rich tapestry of cultural and historical meanings. The dolphin, since ancient times, has been a symbol of guidance, protection, and salvation. In Greek mythology, dolphins were associated with gods like Poseidon, and the transportation of souls to the afterlife. We see echoes of this in Roman art and later in Renaissance depictions, where the dolphin often accompanies figures of power and divinity, signifying safe passage and transformation. Consider how the dolphin's symbolism has shifted; from a sacred creature in antiquity to a motif of benevolence and intelligence in modern times. It taps into a collective, subconscious desire for connection and understanding beyond our terrestrial existence. This image engages our emotions on a deep level, sparking a sense of wonder and perhaps even a longing for the boundless freedom of the seas. The enduring appeal and cyclical progression of this symbol reminds us of its profound ability to resurface, evolve, and find new resonance across the ages.