Spits met vijf bloemen in het midden c. 1675 - 1700

This ornamental design featuring birds and flowers was crafted by Laurent Jansz Micker. Observe the prominent birds, heralds of dawn and spiritual messengers, flanking a stylized floral arrangement, symbols of nature's generative power. Such avian motifs have ancient roots, appearing in diverse cultures from Egyptian hieroglyphs, where they represented the soul, to Greek mythology, where birds often acted as intermediaries between gods and mortals. Consider, for instance, how the image of the bird has evolved. In some contexts, it embodies freedom and transcendence, while in others, it signifies vigilance or prophecy. This echoes a deeper, perhaps subconscious, human fascination with flight and the unseen realms. The symmetrical composition, combined with organic motifs, creates a sense of harmony, appealing to our innate desire for order and balance. The cyclical reappearance of these symbols throughout art history underscores the non-linear progression of cultural memory. These motifs continuously resurface, evolving and adopting new meanings, reminding us that the past is always present, shaping our perceptions and expressions.