Schön newes Modelbuch (Page 52r) 1608

This is a page from 'Schön newes Modelbuch,' created by Sigismundus Latomus in the early 17th century. The woodcut design is dominated by peacocks, symbols of vanity and pride, perched symmetrically around an elaborate vessel. The peacock motif has journeyed through time; in ancient Greece, it was associated with Hera, the queen of the gods, while in Christianity, it symbolized resurrection. Here, the pairing of peacocks flanking a vessel suggests themes of abundance and perhaps transformation, mirroring the vessel’s potential to hold and alter its contents. These motifs are more than mere decoration, acting as powerful visual triggers that tap into our collective memory, prompting subconscious associations and emotional responses. It’s a dance of symbols, each echoing through history, evolving, and resurfacing in new guises.