Bladrank met putto op adelaar c. 1628 - 1732

This anonymous print presents a frieze with a putto riding an eagle, surrounded by lush foliage. The eagle, a symbol of power and divine authority since antiquity, often accompanies Jupiter, king of the gods, in Roman mythology. Note how the putto, a cherubic figure, steers the eagle, intertwining themes of innocence and command. This motif echoes across centuries; consider Ganymede, the Trojan youth abducted by Zeus, also depicted on an eagle's back. These images tap into a deep collective memory, reflecting both divine ascension and the vulnerability of youth. The foliage, a garland of life, contrasts with the eagle's sharp gaze. This juxtaposition highlights the cyclical nature of existence, where power and fragility, growth and decay, are eternally intertwined. The enduring appeal of this symbol lies in its capacity to evoke subconscious connections and emotional resonance through time.