Drie ornamentele randen, een bijzettafel, een kandelaar en een kan 1817

This undated drawing by Pietro Ruga presents a series of ornamental designs, showcasing recurring motifs found in classical decoration. Note the table adorned with stylized figures, reminiscent of Egyptian sphinxes. These figures are not mere decoration, but rather carriers of cultural memory, echoing the ancient world's fascination with the mystical and protective qualities of such creatures. Similarly, the caduceus-like candlestick, with its entwined snakes, symbolizes healing and commerce, linking back to Hermes and the ancient Greek world. Consider how these motifs evolve: the Egyptian sphinx, once a guardian of temples and secrets, reappears here in domestic furniture, reflecting a shift in cultural values and a domestication of the sacred. This appropriation and transformation is not linear but cyclical, a continuous resurgence of symbols adapted to new contexts. These images tap into a deep, subconscious connection to our past, engaging us on an emotional level, reminding us of the enduring power of symbols to convey meaning across time.