Veel schoene stvcken om te dryven den govdt smeden dienelyck 1594 - 1635

This undated ornamental design for goldsmiths, created by an anonymous artist, features various symbolic motifs deeply rooted in cultural memory. Framing the central inscription are cherubic figures, reminiscent of classical Eros or Cupid, symbols of love and desire, which echo through the Renaissance and Baroque periods. These figures, however, have a complicated history. Their presence can be traced back to ancient pagan art, where winged figures represented divine messengers or personifications of abstract concepts, and later re-emerged during the Renaissance as part of the renewed interest in classical antiquity, often adorning tombs. Notice the stylized floral arrangements and the playful depiction of animals, elements that evoke a sense of abundance and natural harmony. These decorative elements create a psychological space that invites contemplation and emotional engagement, reflecting a collective yearning for beauty and order. The interplay between these classical motifs and the practical function of the design speaks to the ongoing dialogue between art and craft, the sacred and the secular, that defines the cultural landscape of the time.