Untitled 

This painting by Fikret Mualla Saygi presents us with a still life, featuring a fish, lemons, and a wine bottle set against a backdrop of what seems to be a townscape. The fish, a symbol rich in history, has been used across cultures to denote abundance, fertility, and spiritual sustenance. Think back to early Christian art, where the fish served as a coded symbol for Christ himself. Here, the fish is displayed on a plate, presented almost as an offering. Its presence evokes a sense of ritual, hinting at deeper layers of meaning. The lemons, bright and acidic, introduce a contrasting element. Historically, lemons have symbolized purification, bitterness, or even healing. These fruits remind me of similar motifs in Dutch Golden Age paintings, where lemons were used to evoke the transience of life, a reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures. Notice how the combination of these images may evoke an intense emotional state, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The progression of these symbols is non-linear, cyclical. It resurfaces and evolves across time. These symbols take on new meanings in different historical contexts.