Ornament met gevleugelde vrouw 1525 - 1530

This Ornament with Winged Woman, made by Monogrammist IB in the 16th century, presents a vertical tableau rich with classical motifs. At its apex, a winged female figure stands, draped and poised, reminiscent of classical goddesses. This figure is not merely decorative; she embodies a lineage of winged deities seen across cultures, from Nike in ancient Greece to the celestial beings of the Renaissance. Below the winged figure, the recurring motifs of satyrs and foliage reflect the Roman fascination with nature and the wild, untamed aspects of the human spirit. The image engages us on a deeply subconscious level. The symmetry and ornate details evoke a sense of order, yet the inclusion of satyrs introduces an element of Dionysian revelry. The winged figure, a symbol of aspiration and transcendence, connects with our inherent human desire to rise above our earthly constraints. Such symbols are not static. Like rivers, they flow through time, resurfacing in new forms, each reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of its age.