Haardplaat en vuurscherm op vuurplaat c. 1704 - 1734

This silver fire screen by Abraham van der Hoeff features delicate floral arrangements and cherubic figures, encapsulating an era's fascination with nature and innocence. The flowers, meticulously crafted in relief, carry centuries of symbolic weight, echoing the vanitas tradition, reminding us of life's ephemeral beauty. These aren't merely decorative; they're a mirror reflecting our own fleeting existence. The cherubs perched atop and flanking the screen evoke classical imagery of putti, linking this domestic object to ancient ideals of love, protection, and divine presence. The vase of flowers motif recurs across history, from Roman frescoes to Renaissance paintings, each time subtly shifting in meaning, shaped by the cultural subconscious. This humble fire screen becomes more than just a household item; it is a vessel carrying complex ideas about life, death, and the enduring power of symbols. It is a testament to how motifs resurface, evolve, and are imbued with new significance across time.