engraving
baroque
old engraving style
decorative-art
engraving
Dimensions: height 152 mm, width 214 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This etching by Lorenz Beger presents a ceiling design teeming with grotesques and putti, rendered with ink on paper. In the upper left, we see putti encircled by clouds, holding flowers. This depiction of cherubic figures is reminiscent of those found in ancient Roman art, where putti symbolized love and the celestial realm. Notice how these figures reappear throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, evolving into symbols of innocence and divine grace. The presence of grotesques—fantastical, hybrid creatures—echoes the rediscovery of ancient Roman decorative motifs, a phenomenon we see revived during the Renaissance. These images, like echoes from the unconscious, resurface and evolve. Their persistence is a testament to the emotional and psychological power they hold, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. These symbols reflect a cyclical progression, constantly resurfacing and being imbued with new meanings throughout history.
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