Corona delle Nobile et Virtuose Donne, Libro Terzo, page 11 (recto) 1620

This is a page from Cesare Vecellio's "Corona delle Nobile et Virtuose Donne," a book printed without color in the 16th century. In it, we see elaborate fountain designs reminiscent of ancient Roman grottoes, with a prominent motif—pairs of figures flanking a central object. These figures—sometimes human, sometimes monstrous—act as guardians or supporters. This recalls the ancient motif of the "Master of Animals," common in Near Eastern art, where a central figure is flanked and often dominates animals, symbolizing control over the natural world. Notice how this motif recurs throughout history, from the heraldic beasts supporting coats of arms to the caryatids in classical architecture. It speaks to a deep-seated human impulse to establish order, balance, and power through symbolic representation. The emotional resonance of symmetry and controlled opposition plays into our subconscious desires for stability, reflecting the anxieties of a world where chaos always looms. The motif is a powerful psychological anchor, promising mastery over the unknown.