Zes beelden van mannen met verschillende attributen 1668 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop etched these six images of men, each distinguished by particular attributes. The symbols, like a lexicon of classical motifs, are steeped in ancient meaning. Take, for instance, the figure holding a falcon. This is a clear reference to falconry, a sport of kings, but here, it perhaps alludes to the power of foresight and control. We see a similar motif in ancient Egyptian art, where Horus, the falcon-headed god, symbolized protection, royalty, and divine power. The falcon, therefore, transcends mere representation; it encapsulates notions of authority and vision. These motifs evoke powerful, subconscious responses. Our memories are replete with symbolic representations of power, beauty, and heroism, handed down through generations. These archetypes, lingering in our collective unconscious, shape how we respond to these images, imbuing them with a timeless emotional resonance. As symbols evolve, they reflect changing cultural values, yet they retain echoes of their past significance.