Twee ornamentele sierranden met arabesken en dieren 1817

These ornamental borders by Pietro Ruga showcase a classical sensibility through intricate arabesques and stylized animals. The recurring motif of leaping quadrupeds—lions above and perhaps deer below—immediately evokes the dynamism often seen in ancient friezes. Such imagery echoes through time, recalling the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, where striding lions symbolized power and protection. Here, these animals are tamed into decorative elements, yet they still retain an echo of their primal energy, their forms leaping across the composition. The incorporation of floral elements adds another layer, suggestive of growth and renewal. Consider how the imagery of animals intertwined with vegetation has appeared throughout history, from Egyptian tomb paintings to Renaissance tapestries. The subconscious pull of these elements, their embodiment of nature's cyclical rhythm, resonates deeply within us.