Wine glass with the inscription ‘Fatherland, Peace and Liberty’ c. 1795

This is a glass etched with symbols of nationhood, possibly dating from the 18th century. Note how cherubic figures, reminiscent of classical putti, carry a banner proclaiming ‘Fatherland, Peace, and Liberty’. These motifs are not isolated. The lion rampant on the shield, a symbol of courage and sovereignty, echoes through heraldry across Europe and back to antiquity. It speaks to the enduring human need for symbols of identity and belonging. The cherubs themselves, these winged infants, appear throughout Renaissance art and beyond, emerging from the classical world, bearing witness to moments of significance. The inscription and imagery create a potent blend of national pride and universal desire for peace. These symbols tap into deep-seated collective memories. The longing for 'Fatherland, Peace, and Liberty' reverberates through time, a testament to the cyclical nature of history and the ever-present human yearning for a better world.