Vier putti met attributen 1666 - 1707

This engraving by Gérard Edelinck presents four putti, or cherubic figures, each carrying symbolic objects. The lyre, prominently topped with a crown, speaks of music and divine harmony, linking earthly rulers to the arts and celestial order. The lyre itself is an ancient symbol, appearing in Greek mythology associated with Apollo, the god of music. Think of Orpheus, whose music charmed even the gods of the underworld. This motif persists through the ages. We see the lyre in Roman art, medieval illuminations, and Renaissance paintings, each time subtly shifting in meaning but always invoking the power of harmony and creation. Consider how these symbols function as cultural mnemonics. They tap into a collective memory, evoking emotions and ideas tied to our shared human experiences, resonating within the observer's subconscious, engaging us on a deeper emotional and psychological level. The lyre crowned recurs and transforms across time, a testament to the enduring human quest for harmony.