Plakette, jongeling met engelbewaarder before 1661

Editor: Here we have "Plaquette, jongeling met engelbewaarder," or "Plaque, young man with guardian angel," created before 1661 by Adam Lenckhardt. It's an ivory relief sculpture. I find the figures very comforting somehow, like a visual representation of inner peace and guidance. What symbolic weight do you think this work carries? Curator: The image certainly projects serenity, doesn't it? Consider the guardian angel motif, which has deep roots in both classical and religious thought. In early Christian art, angels were often depicted as messengers of God, but the concept of a personal guardian angel evolved, offering comfort and protection. The plaque's existence speaks to a powerful need for reassurance and divine intervention. Editor: That’s interesting, because the scene also includes this snarling beast down at the lower corner… almost hidden, like the angel is shielding the boy from it. Curator: Precisely. The contrast between the protective angel and the menacing animal – possibly a wolf or dog? – highlights the dangers, both literal and spiritual, from which one sought deliverance. What does the young man's gaze tell you? Where is his attention directed? Editor: He’s looking at the angel, listening intently to… something? I guess he trusts the angel completely. Curator: Exactly. Consider that ivory itself, as a precious and durable material, would have lent further significance to the image. It’s not just about the story; the medium reinforces the permanence and value placed on divine protection. Do you think viewers at the time recognized these symbols? Editor: Definitely. Knowing more about the context helps me understand why it might have been such a powerful image. Curator: And hopefully you will now see continuity and relevance to even our contemporary concerns with protection, especially of children. It reminds us that cultural anxieties manifest differently over time, yet remain fundamentally similar. Editor: I appreciate you unpacking that; I feel like I have a much richer understanding of the piece now!