Naphthali, from The Twelve Sons of Jacob 1584 - 1594

Jacques de Gheyn II rendered "Naphthali, from The Twelve Sons of Jacob," in ink on paper, capturing the essence of the biblical figure through potent symbols. A stag, prominently displayed, embodies Naphthali's swiftness and grace, as described in Genesis 49:21: "Naphthali is a hind let loose." The stag motif resonates across cultures; consider the Celtic deity Cernunnos, often depicted with antlers, symbolizing fertility and the wilderness. Similarly, the stag appears in classical mythology, linked to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Over time, the stag evolved into a symbol of nobility and purity. This imagery, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, evokes primal connections to nature and instinct. De Gheyn masterfully uses the emotional weight of these symbols, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The image’s power lies in this cyclical return of symbols, constantly reshaped by cultural narratives and individual experiences, speaking to the enduring human fascination with nature, divinity, and self-discovery.