Trim c. 19th century

This "Trim," an anonymous creation at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, presents a visual dialogue between two distinct yet interconnected cords: one radiant in gold, the other a deep, pulsating red. These cords evoke the ancient symbol of the ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail, embodying cyclicality, renewal, and the eternal return. Consider, too, the Hermetic Caduceus, where intertwining snakes represent balance and reconciliation of opposites. The contrasting colors further deepen the symbolism. Gold, associated with the sun, enlightenment, and divinity, juxtaposed with the visceral red of blood, passion, and earthly existence. Such motifs transcend time, appearing in various guises across cultures. Think of the double helix of DNA, our very genetic code, mirroring this intertwined duality. Perhaps this piece reflects a deeper, subconscious desire to reconcile the material and spiritual, the conscious and unconscious, a dance as old as humanity itself.