Tazza with cover 19th century

Benvenuto Cellini crafted this Tazza, a covered cup, from gold, its surface alive with classical motifs. On the lid, we see reclining figures encircled by wreaths. These symbols are steeped in classical antiquity, evoking notions of triumph and celebration. Consider how such wreaths—symbols of victory and eternity—appear in Roman sculptures. Here, they suggest a Renaissance echo of ancient grandeur. The figures, reminiscent of putti, or cherubic children, represent playful innocence and divine love, recurring throughout Renaissance art. The bust atop the lid is a more complex story, with an androgynous appearance. This is an echo of the classical motif of Hermaphroditus. In its origins, the image of Hermaphroditus signified wholeness and unity. However, as this idea has been passed through time, the meaning has also shifted through the collective consciousness of society. The image evolved into a representation of duality and the merging of opposing forces. This cup, gleaming under light, becomes a powerful vessel, holding not just drink but the weight of history.