Cup with insects, flower sprays and grapevines c. 1797 - 1798

This cup with insects, flower sprays, and grapevines was crafted by Rue Thiroux Parijs. Observe how the butterfly is prominently displayed. This seemingly decorative choice carries a profound symbolic weight. Throughout history, the butterfly has served as a potent symbol of transformation and the soul. Think of the ancient Greeks, who associated butterflies with Psyche, the goddess of the soul. This imagery of metamorphosis—from earthly caterpillar to winged beauty—resonates deeply with our subconscious understanding of life, death, and rebirth. Consider also the vine, with its clusters of grapes, often symbolizes abundance, fertility, and, in certain religious contexts, the blood of life. Such symbols touch upon our deepest emotions, echoing across time and culture. They have a mysterious power to evoke primal feelings and collective memories. Even today, the image of a butterfly can stir within us a sense of hope, change, and the eternal cycle of life.