Small plate with lizard, shells, and blue and purple background 1860 - 1875

This small plate, crafted by Georges Pull, presents a vibrant array of symbols deeply rooted in our collective memory. The lizard, shells, and lush foliage are not mere decoration; they speak to our primal connection with the natural world. The lizard, often associated with transformation and adaptability, has slithered through art history. Consider its presence in ancient Egyptian art, where it was a symbol of regeneration. Here, the lizard, poised amidst ferns and oak leaves—symbols of resilience and longevity—evokes a sense of perpetual renewal. The shells scattered across the plate remind us of journeys, both literal and metaphorical, echoing the pilgrimage motifs found in medieval art. These symbols stir something profound within us, engaging our subconscious. It's as though the artist has tapped into a shared visual language that transcends time, inviting us to contemplate the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.