Study for a Vase (from Sketchbook) 1857 - 1860

John Quincy Adams Ward sketched this vase with pen and ink, an echo of classical forms, during his studies. The vase, in its essence, is a symbol of containment, a vessel holding liquids and, metaphorically, life itself. Notice the small winged figures adorning each side. These forms evoke the ancient Greek Nikai, goddesses of victory, appearing on pottery and sculptures, celebrating triumphs and aspirations. These winged figures, through time, have been passed down and morphed, appearing as angels in Christian art, then evolving again into secular symbols of freedom. The motif represents a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The vase, crowned with the winged Nikai, suggests a vessel of triumph, stirring within us the universal yearning for victory. The evolution of this imagery is not linear, but cyclical: resurfacing, evolving, and acquiring new meanings in different historical contexts.