Ancient marble urn vase with dogs and an owl flying buttresses, ribbed 1778

Giovanni Battista Piranesi rendered this marble urn vase with dogs and an owl as handles, steeped in symbolic weight. The dogs, acting as handles, immediately bring to mind not just loyalty, but also vigilance. The owl perched atop the lid? That's no mere decoration; it's a nod to nocturnal wisdom and the mysteries of the unseen. Consider how the dog as a symbol of fidelity stretches back to ancient Egypt. Now, contrast this image with how dogs are portrayed in medieval tapestries, often hunting, symbolizing nobility and prowess. It's a transformation, yet the core of loyalty persists. The emotional pull of these symbols is undeniable. The faithful dog, the wise owl—these are not just images, but archetypes that stir something deep within our collective unconscious. The vase, then, becomes more than just a vessel; it’s a stage where ancient symbols play out their ever-evolving roles, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of images.