Copy after an Ancient Sarcophagus 1747 - 1757

Augustin Pajou’s study, made with pen and gray wash, depicts a scene copied from an ancient sarcophagus, featuring a winged goddess overseeing a battle. Such figures in classical art often represented victory or divine intervention, promising triumph amidst strife. Now, consider how this winged figure echoes through time. We find similar motifs in ancient Assyrian reliefs with winged genies protecting kings, or in the Egyptian goddess Isis, whose wings symbolized protection and power. Later, Christian art adopted wings for angels, messengers of God, bridging heaven and earth. What fascinates me is how these images tap into our collective memory. The goddess's outstretched hand is not merely a gesture but an archetypal symbol of hope and deliverance, resonating with our deepest desires for safety and triumph over adversity. This visual language, passed down through generations, continues to evoke powerful emotions, engaging us on a subconscious level. The symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.