Dish with cover (one of a pair) 1778 - 1779

Charles-Louis-Auguste Spriman, created this covered dish, one of a pair, in the late 18th or early 19th century. Its gleaming surface features heraldic crests and laurel wreaths. The laurel, an ancient symbol of triumph and immortality, finds its roots in classical antiquity. We observe its presence adorning the brows of triumphant athletes, emperors, and poets throughout history. This motif persists through the Renaissance, experiencing a revival in popularity during the Neoclassical period. The wreath's cyclical journey through time reveals a deep-seated desire to evoke notions of victory, honor, and everlasting fame. The crests speak of lineage, power, and a sense of continuity, acting as visual anchors in a world of constant change. The careful arrangement of these symbols triggers a powerful emotional response, resonating with our collective memory and tapping into the subconscious desires of status and recognition. These symbols, deeply embedded in our cultural psyche, continue to resurface, evolve, and find new meanings in contemporary society.