Scipio Africanus redt zijn gewonde vader 1817

Bartolomeo Pinelli’s etching depicts Scipio Africanus rescuing his wounded father amidst a fierce battle, capturing a moment of filial duty within the chaos of war. The heroic act itself carries a potent symbolism deeply rooted in cultural memory. The imagery of rescue and salvation reverberates through time, echoing ancient myths and religious narratives. Consider the parallels with Aeneas fleeing Troy with his father Anchises on his shoulders, an image of piety and cultural continuity. Or even the countless depictions of the Madonna sheltering the Christ child, an endless cycle of protection. Such motifs tap into our collective subconscious, triggering primal emotions of love, duty, and sacrifice. The repetition of these symbols throughout history speaks to their enduring power to resonate with us on a deep, almost instinctive level. Pinelli's etching isn't just a historical depiction but a testament to the continuous presence of deeply-rooted archetypes. They resurface and evolve, speaking to the cyclical progression of human experience and our innate yearning for meaning.