Rinceau Border with Unicorn and Inlay on copper, Italian 18th century 1825 - 1900

John Gregory Crace created this 18th-century Italian copper inlay design, titled "Rinceau Border with Unicorn," now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Here, the unicorn, a symbol often associated with purity and grace, is reimagined within the decorative context of a rinceau border. The mythical qualities of the unicorn intertwine with the artistic conventions of the time, reflecting the cultural fascination with symbolism. The inclusion of the winged cherub adds a layer of complexity, evoking notions of innocence, religion, and idealized beauty. This artwork asks us to consider how gendered and religious identities have been historically constructed and represented. Crace, who lived from 1809 to 1889, would have been aware of traditional representations, yet he reinterprets them here. In viewing this piece, we might reflect on the power of symbols to transcend time. It is the emotional impact of this intersection between real and mythical, male and female that elevates the artwork beyond mere decoration.