Cup plate 1830 - 1835

This cup plate, crafted from glass by an anonymous artist, presents a fascinating blend of symbolism. At its heart, a bridge stretches across a body of water beneath a radiant sun. The bridge, an ancient symbol of connection and transition, echoes in structures from the Pontifex Maximus' bridges in Rome to countless depictions of bridges in art, each representing a journey, be it physical, spiritual, or emotional. The sun, a universal emblem of life and enlightenment, has been worshipped across cultures, from the Egyptian deity Ra to Apollo in Greek mythology. In this context, it bathes the bridge in its life-giving light, suggesting hope and renewal. Surrounding these central motifs are decorative swirls, reminiscent of classical wave patterns, evoking the ever-changing, cyclical nature of existence. The cup plate invites us to contemplate the bridges we build in our own lives, the journeys we undertake, and the light that guides us.