Architectural Motif with Bust and Two Lamps c. 1690

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti created this etching, "Architectural Motif with Bust and Two Lamps," where symbolism intertwines with design, around the turn of the 18th century. The flaming lamps evoke not only the light of knowledge, but also the eternal flame, a symbol deeply rooted in classical antiquity, representing life, spirit, and the divine. The bust, possibly of a Roman figure, is framed by elaborate ornamentation. Consider how the motif of the lamp has been used in various times and locations: from the Vestal Virgins in Rome, who kept the sacred fire burning, to its appearance in Renaissance emblems. It transforms into a symbol of enlightenment during the Enlightenment. The flame’s persistent presence reveals a deep-seated desire to connect with the eternal, a powerful emotional pull. These symbols show the non-linear, cyclical progression of cultural symbols that resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.