Egel before 1650

Antonio Tempesta etched this image of a hedgehog sometime around 1600. Look closely, and you’ll see more than just a simple animal portrait. The hedgehog, or ‘Riccio’ in Italian, is covered with sharp spines, a symbol of defense and self-preservation. These prickly creatures appear across cultures; recall ancient Greek fables, where the hedgehog’s protective nature embodies cunning survival. Yet, consider how the hedgehog is also a symbol of hoarding, reflecting a deep-seated human anxiety about scarcity and security. Like the serpent, the hedgehog is a cyclical symbol. It appears, evolves, and resurfaces across time, its sharp quills piercing through the layers of history and culture. Notice the detailed etching, conveying a sense of alertness in the hedgehog’s stance and the glint in its eye. It speaks to our collective memory, engaging us on a primal level.