Cruet stand 1750 - 1760

This is a porcelain cruet stand crafted by Paul Hannong, its exact date is unknown. At its heart lies the image of a boy riding a fantastical fish, a motif that speaks volumes across time. The image of a child atop a marine creature is steeped in symbolism; traditionally, it represents dominion over the natural world, yet here, the fish’s imposing features evoke a sense of underlying tension. This image hearkens back to classical depictions of putti with dolphins, symbols of love and guidance, and it's a motif one can trace through Renaissance fountains to Baroque allegories. Consider the fish's gaze—its eyes, wide and somewhat distressed, stir a deep, subconscious unease. The fish, in mythology, represents the depths of the unconscious. This pairing may evoke powerful, conflicting emotions, engaging us on a primal level. Notice how this emblem—child and fish—has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings throughout history, revealing the cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring emotional resonance.