Paneel met urn op voetstuk before 1711

Alexis Loir created this panel with an urn on a pedestal sometime between 1640 and 1713. The central urn, a classical symbol of mourning and remembrance, rests atop a pedestal guarded by two formidable, serpentine beasts. These beasts, rendered in exquisite detail, evoke the ancient motif of guardian figures. They are not unlike the dragons and griffins found in classical and medieval art. Such creatures, often placed at thresholds or sacred spaces, are emblems of protection and power. In ancient Mesopotamia, similar figures were believed to ward off evil spirits. Observe the emotional weight of the image. The urn, with its funereal connotations, is juxtaposed with the aggressive, defensive posture of the beasts. This interplay creates a psychological tension, reflecting the universal struggle between mourning and resilience. The cyclical progression of symbols demonstrates how images evolve, retaining echoes of their past while adapting to new cultural landscapes.