Sculptuur van een griffioen in het Camposanto te Pisa, Italië 1860 - 1881

This photograph by Giacomo Brogi captures a bronze sculpture of a griffin in the Camposanto of Pisa, Italy. The griffin, a composite creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, is a potent symbol found across numerous cultures. In ancient times, the griffin was associated with guardianship, often depicted protecting treasures and sacred places. We see echoes of this protective role in its appearance on coats of arms and as architectural adornments throughout the medieval period. Consider its presence in Greek mythology, linked to Apollo and guarding gold, or its appearance in the art of the Near East. The enduring appeal of the griffin lies in its embodiment of strength and vigilance, a testament to humanity's deep-seated need for protection and guidance. This symbol, charged with layers of meaning, continues to resonate, tapping into our collective unconscious and reminding us of the timeless human quest for safety and power. The image of the griffin is therefore not static; it is a dynamic carrier of cultural memory.