Portret van Antonio González Ruiz 1786

This is Francisco Muntaner Moner’s rendering of Antonio González Ruiz, whose likeness is preserved in ink. Observe Ruiz's hand poised with a quill, a classical symbol of artistry, eloquence, and intellectual prowess. The quill has journeyed through time, mirroring the caduceus of Hermes, the messenger of gods. Its presence speaks of transformation, not merely from thought to script, but a deeper alchemical process. Think of the Egyptian god Thoth, whose ibis-headed form wielded a similar tool, recording the balance of souls. Here, Ruiz becomes the scribe of his own legacy, much like Thoth in his divine role. Consider how the act of writing, capturing the essence of ideas, continues to permeate cultures across time. The quill, like the caduceus and ibis, has transformed from a mere tool into a potent symbol, deeply embedded within our collective consciousness. It represents an act of translation, of bestowing the intangible with lasting form. It suggests a continuous rebirth and reinvention of symbols, each age imbuing them with fresh resonance.