The Woman Clothed with the Sun, from the Apocalypse 1480 - 1570

Jean Duvet created this engraving, "The Woman Clothed with the Sun," inspired by the Book of Revelation. Here, the Virgin Mary appears as a celestial queen, haloed and winged, standing in stark contrast to the monstrous seven-headed dragon lurking below. The dragon, a symbol of chaos and evil, reaches back to ancient mythologies. Serpents have long embodied primal fears and untamed forces. This symbol echoes through time, from the Leviathan of Jewish tradition to the dragons of Norse sagas. The Virgin's serene composure, despite the dragon's menacing presence, speaks to the enduring power of faith. Note the gesture of her hands clasped in prayer, an echo of classical orant figures, embodying hope and divine protection. This image resonates with our collective unconscious, reminding us of the eternal struggle between light and darkness, order and chaos, a visual language that transcends time.