Bracket 1595 - 1605

These silver brackets by Hubert Gerhard present cherubic faces, framed by wings and radiating halos. Within the Christian tradition, cherubs are often associated with divine protection. Images of winged figures acting as divine messengers or guardians are seen as far back as ancient Assyria. Over time, the cultural memory of these figures evolved, finding new expression in the Greco-Roman god Eros or Cupid. The cherub as we know it represents a visual bridge between pagan and Christian worlds. The Renaissance saw a resurgence of classical forms blending with Christian themes, thus imbuing the cherub with both sacred and secular meanings. The cherub becomes less an ethereal being and more of a symbol for earthly love and beauty. Even now, the cherub’s innocent face stirs within us deep-seated memories, evoking powerful emotions tied to love, protection, and the eternal cycle of life.