Austrian Family, The Daughters 1827

Josef Kriehuber rendered this watercolor of two sisters from an Austrian family with great care and attention to detail. The necklaces worn by the girls, made of beads of coral, draw our attention to the symbolism of protection and vitality. Consider the color red, vital as blood itself, a symbol of life force, as far back as ancient Rome, where coral was believed to guard against harm. This belief echoes through the Renaissance, where coral amulets were worn by children as a ward against evil. Even today, the echo of this ancient belief persists, revealing how symbols can evolve and adapt across time, reflecting our collective hopes and fears. The necklaces are not mere adornments but potent emblems of care. The persistence of the imagery of the protective coral reminds us of the enduring human need for safety and well-being.