Ornament met bloemenvaas en fakkels 1728

This delicate ornament with flowers and torches was created in 1728 by Bernard Picart. The central motif is a vase overflowing with blooms, flanked by symmetrical torches. The vase of flowers is an ancient symbol of abundance and transient beauty, evoking classical associations with offerings to the gods or symbols of mortal achievements. The torches—symbols of enlightenment and truth—flicker on either side. This pairing of light and beauty is not new. Think back to ancient Roman art, where similar motifs appeared in frescoes, symbolizing domestic harmony and prosperity. Consider how the torch, originally a beacon for guiding the way, has transformed. Over time it has been reinterpreted as a call for intellectual illumination, a concept echoed during the Enlightenment. These images, passed down through generations, show how symbols evolve, adapting to new cultural landscapes while retaining an essence of their original power. It highlights our deep, subconscious connection to the past.