Cigar chest c. 1867 - 1875

This is a cigar chest by Charles-Guillaume Diehl, featuring an elaborate scene of a dragon in combat with a crowned beast. Dragons, potent symbols across cultures, evoke primal fears and the chaos of the unknown, yet they also symbolize power and wisdom. Notice the dragon’s sinuous form, reminiscent of the serpent Jörmungandr from Norse mythology, forever locked in a cycle of destruction and rebirth with Thor. This perpetual struggle speaks to the human condition, our eternal dance with internal and external conflicts. The crown upon the other beast's head indicates authority and dominion. Consider how such imagery taps into our collective memory. The image of the dragon—a recurring motif throughout art history—has evolved from a symbol of pure chaos to a guardian of sacred knowledge. It is a powerful, evocative image with the ability to stir deep-seated emotions and anxieties. This chest serves as a reminder of how symbols persist and transform, echoing through the corridors of time.