print, engraving
baroque
fruit
engraving
Dimensions: height 232 mm, width 168 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This anonymous panel, with fruit and garland with tambourine, presents a fascinating interplay of symbols that resonate across time. The arrangement of fruits and flowers in the upper scene evokes classical cornucopias, emblems of abundance and prosperity. The torch motif on the tambourine in the lower half is reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman art, often symbolizing enlightenment or life. Yet, here, coupled with musical instrument, the torch may signify a celebration of art itself, illuminating creative endeavors. The tambourine and torch are not new inventions: we can see them in the frescoes of Pompeii, symbols that have persisted, adapted, and reappeared in various guises throughout Western art. This cultural transmission is not merely a linear progression but rather a cyclical resurgence. It reflects our enduring fascination with these elemental concepts, forever shaping our artistic expressions.
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