Vulcan c. 1590 - 1600

Editor: Here we have a bronze sculpture attributed to Tiziano Aspetti, titled Vulcan. He is muscular and holds a hammer, looking away from us. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, embodies creative and destructive power. The hammer isn’t just a tool; it represents transformation, the ability to shape raw materials into something new. Consider the enduring image of the craftsman, forever changing our world. How does that resonate today? Editor: I never thought about it that way. It’s more than just a blacksmith; it’s about human potential. Curator: Precisely. And by extension, a potent reminder of how we can use these symbols to inspire change. Editor: Thank you, this has been very illuminating.