Guirlande met één ronde gespikkelde en twee langwerpige vruchten 1596 - 1633

This ornamental design featuring fruits, flowers and a dead bird was made by an anonymous artist and its small size suggests it was used as a print to decorate other objects. The artwork uses the trope of the garland, symbolic of festivity and celebration. The bird, seemingly lifeless, presents a stark contrast. What does it mean to combine symbols of abundance with those of mortality? Is this contrast intended to reflect the multifaceted nature of life and existence? The absence of a known artist invites us to consider the countless untold stories of artisans whose identities were obscured by historical and social structures. It encourages us to reflect on the power dynamics within the art world, particularly in the context of gender and class, where certain voices and perspectives have been historically marginalized. The design invites us to engage with themes of anonymity, visibility, and the complex interplay between art, identity, and history.