Gold Earring c. 1937

Tulita Westfall's 'Gold Earring' is a meticulous study in watercolor, capturing the opulence and intricate design of ancient jewelry. Gold, beyond its material value, has long been a symbol of power, divinity, and immortality across diverse cultures. Notice the circular motifs intricately worked into the design. The circle, or 'Ouroboros,' is an ancient symbol representing eternity and cyclical renewal, found in Egyptian, Greek, and Norse traditions. This symbol transcends time, reappearing in alchemy, Gnosticism, and even modern psychology, where it embodies wholeness and the self. The crescent shape of the smaller earring echoes lunar symbolism, often associated with femininity, intuition, and the passage of time. Such enduring symbols engage us on a subconscious level, stirring a sense of connection to our ancestors. Consider how they resurface, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts, yet retain a primal, psychological force.