Drievoet en schaal 1775 - 1797

This print by Nicolas Xavier Willemin captures a tripod and bowl in exacting detail. Note the vessel's legs, ending in lion’s paws. This choice of form alludes to the power and strength associated with the lion, an ancient symbol of royalty and divine authority. Now, consider the bearded faces adorning the vessel. These could represent river gods or perhaps woodland spirits, connecting the object to the natural world and the ancient belief in the spirits dwelling within it. Similar motifs of animalistic legs and divine faces can be seen in ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, demonstrating the continuity of such symbols through different eras. The lion paw, for instance, reappears in Renaissance furniture, signaling a revival of classical ideals. It evolves, carrying echoes of its past while adapting to new artistic languages. These symbols act as powerful triggers, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This is because they carry with them centuries of cultural memory and emotional weight. The potency of these symbols lies not in their linear progression but in their cyclical resurgence, revealing how cultural memory continuously reshapes our visual world.