Allegorische voorstelling met farmaceutische attributen 1734

This is Tobias Lobeck’s Allegorical Representation with Pharmaceutical Attributes, an engraving showcasing the healing properties of nature. Observe the serpent coiled around the tree, a potent symbol since antiquity. The serpent is derived from the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, and is entwined around a tree of knowledge, echoing the story of Eden. In ancient Greece, the serpent symbolized renewal and healing, owing to its ability to shed its skin. Over time, the symbol evolved, often appearing on pharmaceutical signs and emblems, representing the power of medicine to heal and transform. Notice the angel blowing a trumpet to celebrate the curative powers of nature. The serpent symbol acts as a cultural bridge, weaving together ancient healing practices with contemporary understanding. It reminds us that our quest for health is intertwined with symbols resonating through cultural memory and history. This image highlights the ongoing relevance of symbols, as they weave their way through history to resonate with us.