Grafmonument voor Georgio Selva 1563

This engraving by Johannes and Lucas van Doetechum depicts the tomb of Georgio Selva. Observe the prominent use of lion motifs that support the sarcophagus. Lions, symbols of strength and vigilance, have marked the final resting places of the powerful since antiquity. From ancient Egyptian monuments to medieval European cathedrals, lions evoke guardianship, protecting the deceased in their eternal sleep. Consider how, even today, the image of the lion persists, adapted into the modern imagination as Aslan from Narnia. The lion's association with royalty and courage taps into a collective memory, subconsciously reassuring us of the deceased’s lasting legacy. This visual language transcends mere decoration; it's a profound statement about power, memory, and the enduring human quest to immortalize our heroes. The image engages our emotions on a deep level, reminding us of our own mortality and the echoes we wish to leave behind. It is a continuous cycle.