Vaas geflankeerd door vogels met guirlandes in hun bek 1683 - 1733

This ornamental engraving was made by Bernard Picart in the early 18th century. Symmetrical, ornate, and replete with classical motifs, it presents a grand vase flanked by birds holding festoons in their beaks. The vase, an emblem of containment and potential, is rooted in ancient traditions, evoking classical amphorae and vessels used in ritual practices across cultures. The birds, here symbols of freedom, carry garlands of flowers and foliage, representing celebration and abundance. This coupling is not unique, and may have evolved from the ancient image of winged genii carrying offerings to sacred objects. The recurring garland motif, found in ancient Roman friezes and Renaissance paintings, points to humanity's deep-seated desire to impose order and beauty on nature. Think of the psychoanalytic implications of these decorative elements, arranged as talismans against chaos, reflecting our collective subconscious yearning for harmony. This motif evolves through culture, constantly re-emerging and adapting its significance. The echoes of symbolic forms through history engage us on a deeply subconscious level, demonstrating the enduring power of images to convey complex emotions.