Vases; Set of Wall Monuments; Statue of Louis XV 1746

This print by Jacques François Joseph Saly presents a vase, adorned with figures that speak volumes about the era's visual language. The vase is decorated with classical motifs, including the face of a river god, positioned centrally, with flanking figures atop the rim. These figures, half-human and half-animal, are reminiscent of ancient depictions of satyrs or river deities, symbols of nature's untamed forces. The river god's face, with its flowing beard, can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman art, where such figures personified rivers and springs, embodying their life-giving power. Consider, for instance, similar representations on ancient coins or sculptures, and how the face of the god is rendered to evoke a sense of awe and respect for the natural world. The continuous reappearance of these symbols underscores our collective memory, influencing how we perceive and interpret the world around us, stirring deep emotional and psychological connections. The persistence of such imagery reveals our enduring fascination with the primal forces of nature and the human desire to understand and control them.