12 plates from 'A New Book of Ornaments with Twelve Leaves Consisting of Chimneys, Sconces, Tables, Spandle Panels, Spring Clock Cases, Stands, a Chandelier and Girandole, etc.' 1752

This etching presents Matthias Lock's designs for various ornamental objects. Dominating these designs is the motif of the acanthus leaf, swirling and unfurling across each piece. Rooted in ancient Greek art, the acanthus symbolized enduring life and rebirth, frequently adorning temples and sculptures as a testament to immortality. Notice how this motif, once a solemn emblem on classical monuments, has been adapted here. The acanthus evolves into a playful, almost whimsical element, reflecting the Rococo period’s penchant for lightness and ornamentation. It reminds me of Botticelli's "Primavera", where flora signifies growth and renewal. However, here, the gesture becomes more decorative, signifying wealth. Such transformations demonstrate how symbols are vessels of collective memory, constantly reshaped by cultural and psychological currents. Lock's ornaments reveal the enduring power of classical motifs to adapt and resonate across centuries, engaging our subconscious with layered meanings.