Medallion and Animal Carpet c. 1600

This Medallion and Animal Carpet is a vibrant tapestry woven with wool, showcasing a world where nature and symbol intertwine. The animals, rendered in a stylized manner, hark back to ancient mythologies, where creatures embodied both earthly and divine attributes. The central medallion, a radiant sunburst, is a motif as old as civilization itself. From the solar disks of ancient Egypt to the mandalas of the East, the sun symbolizes enlightenment, energy, and the cyclical nature of existence. This symbol reminds me of similar images in ancient Greek and Roman art, reflecting a shared human impulse to represent the cosmos and our place within it. The medallion is not merely a decorative element; it is a vessel of cultural memory. We also see animals appearing on the carpet, carrying the weight of centuries, shifting with each telling, transforming under the touch of different cultures. This carpet is not just a piece of decor; it is a stage upon which symbols play out their timeless dramas.