Door knocker 19th century

This door knocker, crafted by Elkington & Co., showcases a fascinating blend of symbols. A winged cherub stands between two heraldic dolphins, while a serene female mask adorns the bottom. The dolphins, symbols of guidance and salvation, intertwine with the cherub, a figure representing divine love and innocence. These motifs, reminiscent of ancient Roman fountains and Renaissance emblems, echo a longing for harmony and protection. Think of the dolphin in ancient Greece, often linked to safe passage across the seas, or cherubs, whose presence suggests spiritual guardianship, seen in countless Renaissance paintings. This fusion of sacred and secular symbols speaks to the powerful force of cultural memory, a collective subconscious that draws from the past to create meaning in the present. The knocker engages us on a primal level, sparking a deep-seated emotional response through symbols that have resonated across centuries. It reflects a cyclical progression, where ancient symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new layers of significance in different eras.