Saltcellar with scene of infant harvesters (one of a pair) 1535 - 1550

This saltcellar, crafted by Pierre Reymond in the 16th century, presents a world in miniature on enamel. Infant harvesters adorn its sides, evoking classical bacchanals and allegories of the seasons. These figures, seemingly lighthearted, carry a lineage stretching back to ancient Roman art, where scenes of harvest and revelry celebrated the abundance of nature. Note the figure carrying the basket; it echoes images of classical antiquity. Think of Atlas bearing the weight of the world, transformed here into the innocent labor of childhood. Consider how such motifs recur across time, morphing to suit different cultural needs. What was once a pagan celebration becomes a Renaissance decorative flourish, yet the underlying theme of abundance persists. It stirs deep within us a sense of longing for a Golden Age, a primal connection to the earth's bounty. These symbols resonate in our collective memory, a testament to the cyclical nature of human experience.