Versteningen 1722 - 1782

Pieter Yver created this print called "Versteningen" – or "Petrifications" – in the 18th century, showcasing a collection of fossils. Here, the fossils transcend their scientific identity, echoing symbols of primordial power and transformation. The gaping maw of a prehistoric creature, a central motif, reminds us of ancient myths – dragons, sea monsters – creatures embodying chaos and the unknown. This image is reminiscent of similar monstrous figures that appear in medieval bestiaries and Renaissance allegories, serving as symbols of the untamed forces of nature. Think of the Ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail, an ancient symbol of cyclical existence and eternal return. The fossils are a constant reminder of the earth's ever changing form, encapsulating the psychological tension between creation and destruction. In this collection, the fossils stir our deepest subconscious, invoking a primal connection to the Earth. The fossils remind us that everything changes and will eventually transform in a non-linear progression of birth, death, and rebirth.