Twee panelen met arabesken 1770 - 1780

This drawing presents two panels of arabesques, likely dating from the 18th century, showcasing a popular decorative style. We see motifs such as vases, eagles, garlands, and putti, all interwoven in intricate patterns. These symbols are not new but echo through centuries. The vase, for instance, has roots in classical antiquity, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Its appearance here reminds me of similar motifs found in Roman frescoes, evoking a sense of continuity. The eagle, a symbol of power and divine authority, we see across various cultures, from the Roman Empire to its adaptation in Renaissance emblems. Yet here, the eagle is softened, integrated into a playful decorative scheme. Observe how these classical symbols are reinterpreted and adapted. Like dreams, cultural symbols resurface, transformed, bearing traces of the past, yet speaking to the present. The enduring power of these images lies in their ability to evoke shared memories and stir our collective unconscious.