Tankard 1649

This silver-gilt and enamel tankard was crafted by Dietrich Mayer in Augsburg, Germany. At its heart, you will see Saint Helena, identified by her cruciform scepter and the Holy Spirit as a dove. The cross, an emblem of profound spiritual significance, has roots stretching far beyond Christian iconography. It is an emblem we see in ancient Egyptian symbols of life, the ankh, and even as a cosmic symbol representing the meeting points between celestial and earthly realms. Helena is often depicted with the cross, a symbol of salvation and sacrifice, linking her directly to Christ. The dove appears throughout history in Mesopotamian, and Judeo-Christian imagery as a symbol of peace and purification, bearing witness to love, divinity, and hope. Consider how these motifs, like echoes across time, resonate within our collective consciousness. The reappearance of the cross and dove are testament to the enduring power of symbols, their ability to tap into our deepest emotions, and evoke a sense of continuity between past and present.