Rolwerkwagen met een vrouw, getrokken door twee mannen, een schildpad en een hond 1552

This anonymous engraving presents a woman in a wagon drawn by men, a turtle, and a dog, teeming with symbols deeply rooted in classical antiquity. Consider the turtle at the front, often a symbol of slowness and steadfastness. Here, it pulls the chariot, an unusual role reversal. The dog, a symbol of loyalty, contrasts the turtle, and alongside the subjugated men pulling the wagon, forms a tableau of conflicting drives and instincts. This dynamic tension recalls motifs found in ancient Roman triumphs, where conquered peoples were paraded to symbolize the victor's power and authority. Yet, here, the symbols are subverted, revealing the complex interplay of power, desire, and submission. The central figure of the woman, serene in her wagon, suggests a detached observer or perhaps even a representation of Fortuna, the fickle goddess of fate. This motif resonates through centuries, reappearing in Renaissance allegories. The image’s emotional impact stems from this tension between classical ideals of order and the chaotic, subconscious drives that undermine them, continuing to engage us on a profound level. The cyclical nature of symbols is evident, continuously resurfacing, evolving, and acquiring new meanings within varied historical narratives.