Wierookbrander met twee putti met wapenschilden 1714

Maximilian Joseph Limpach created this print of an incense burner with two putti, or cherubic figures, with coats of arms. Prints like these circulated widely and served as models for artisans. The burner itself is grand and elaborate, reflecting the power and wealth of the aristocracy. Two, almost chubby, putti, hold up the coats of arms, suggesting dynastic ambitions and the weight of familial legacy, literally supported by the cherubic figures. Incense burners, beyond their functional purpose, had deep symbolic significance. They were used in religious ceremonies to purify spaces and elevate the soul. This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of art, religion, and power, reminding us of the social functions that art can perform. It encourages a dialogue between the sacred and the secular, tradition and aspiration.