Vase with ancient marble griffins and ribbing 

This vase with ancient marble griffins, etched by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, presents a fascinating study in enduring symbols. The griffins, those mythical creatures with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, stand guard on either side, embodying both strength and wisdom. Across cultures, griffins have symbolized power and protection, often seen in ancient Near Eastern and Greek art, guarding treasures and sacred spaces. Here, they flank a grotesque face of a bearded man with horns, evoking primordial, demonic forms of spirits and deities. Consider how these motifs resonate through time. The griffin, a guardian in antiquity, reappears in medieval heraldry, a protector of noble families. This continuity reveals our enduring psychological need for symbols of power and guardianship. These images tap into a collective memory, engaging us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the timeless human quest for safety and understanding in a chaotic world. Ultimately, this vase is a powerful reminder of how symbols evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying cultural memory through the ages.