Pot met een schildpad als deksel 1764

This is Benigno Bossi's "Pot met een schildpad als deksel," or "Pot with a Turtle as a Lid," made sometime in the 18th century. Bossi, who lived from 1727 to 1792, lived in an era defined by the Enlightenment's focus on reason and scientific observation. Bossi's drawing stands out for its whimsical departure from the period's emphasis on order and rationality. In it a turtle perches, rather precariously, atop a teacup. The teacup, an object of social ritual, is here crowned by an animal that symbolizes longevity. What a strange combination of nature and culture, domesticity and the wild. This drawing might invite you to consider how we impose our human desires and ideals onto the natural world, or perhaps it's just a simple, playful moment, a break from the seriousness of life. Think about how the piece makes you feel – amused, puzzled, or perhaps even a bit melancholic. The beauty of Bossi's work lies in its ability to evoke such personal responses, while also offering a glimpse into the cultural values of its time.