Merlin and Arthur 

Scott Gustafson's painting captures Merlin and Arthur surrounded by alchemical symbols and tools, bridging the mystical and the natural. The presence of butterflies, fluttering around Merlin's gesture, reminds us of the ancient Greek concept of Psyche, often depicted with butterfly wings, symbolizing the soul's transformation and immortality. Consider the owl perched on Merlin's shoulder, an emblem of wisdom and knowledge, a motif echoed across cultures from ancient Greece, with the goddess Athena, to Germanic folklore. This symbol transcends mere iconography; it evokes a deep, primal connection to the pursuit of understanding. We see the recurrence of animals that represent knowledge throughout history, even the wolf on the floor. The emotional weight of these symbols lies in their ability to tap into our collective memory, stirring a sense of wonder. Such images recur in art, evolving yet preserving the core message of transformation, wisdom, and the eternal quest for knowledge.