Plate 2 from Neu inventierte Vasi auf die neueste manier 1745 - 1755

Johann Gottlieb Thelot’s ‘Plate 2 from Neu inventierte Vasi auf die neueste manier’ presents a vase teeming with symbolic life. At its base, winged cherubs evoke classical Eros figures, embodying love and desire. Above, dragons and avian forms adorn the vase, symbols often associated with power and transformation. Consider the cherubs. In antiquity, Eros, the god of love, was a potent force, but here, they are rendered as playful figures, echoing their role in Renaissance art. The dragon, a symbol of chaos and strength, harkens back to ancient myths. Dragons recur across cultures, from guarding treasures in Greek myths to symbolizing imperial power in China. Their presence on the vase speaks to a deep-seated human fascination with the monstrous and the divine. The power of these symbols lies in their ability to tap into our collective memory. The emotional impact is undeniable. We see echoes of ancient beliefs and desires, a reminder that the human psyche has long been captivated by love, power, and the unknown.