Ivoren doos met fiches c. 1725

This ivory box with counters, made by Mariaval, presents a scene of classical allegory. Note how the artist uses the small, rectangular form to organize a dense composition. The figure of the goddess, centrally placed, dominates with her serene posture and symbolic attributes. Lightly etched lines and the use of colour, primarily blues and greens, give a sense of depth and classical composure. A closer look reveals the delicate balance between the detailed foreground figures and the background crests, each carefully rendered to fill the space without overwhelming the eye. The artist’s choice to represent traditional symbols within a defined space suggests a structured attempt to convey complex ideas through a controlled medium. The box is a microcosm of the larger world of art and meaning. Consider how the fixed dimensions of the ivory box serve not merely as a boundary, but as a framework that enriches the artwork's visual impact.