Bogside med Vignet med to Genier 1726 - 1757

This vignette with two genii was made by Odvardt Helmoldt de Lode. Note the cherubic figures resting on a cloud, one brandishing what appears to be an arrow, the other holding flowers. These motifs are steeped in classical and Renaissance traditions, evoking themes of love, beauty, and divine inspiration. The image of winged figures can be traced back to ancient Greco-Roman art, where they symbolized messengers of the gods, often associated with love and desire. These motifs reappear throughout history, notably in Renaissance and Baroque art, embodying spiritual and emotional transcendence. The arrow may have evolved from cupid's arrows. Interestingly, the image of putti has taken on new meanings. These figures appeal to a deeper human desire: to transcend earthly bounds. These symbols persist because they resonate with our subconscious, and represent something that is a potent and enduring part of the collective human experience.