Design for a Mirror 1766 - 1813

James Wyatt conceived this "Design for a Mirror" in the late 18th century, rendered in pen, ink, and watercolor. At the top, we see a classical scene of maternal love, with a goddess-like figure surrounded by playful children—cherubs of a tender embrace. These cherubic figures are not merely decorative. They carry echoes of ancient Roman depictions of Cupid and Psyche, symbols of love and the soul, reborn in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Now, they appear in Wyatt’s neoclassical design, demonstrating how symbols migrate, adapting to new cultural landscapes while carrying layers of accumulated meaning. Observe how the cherub reappears on the sides, enclosed in ovals like memories. These recurrences echo humanity's deep-seated need to represent innocence, affection, and the idealised human form. This imagery tugs at our subconscious, stirring emotions that transcend time. The viewer is reminded of shared desires and ancestral memories. In its essence, this mirror design is not just an object but a vessel carrying forward the symbolic and emotional currents of history.