Pin (part of a set) 1830 - 1865

This pin, crafted by Bertel Thorvaldsen, features a cameo of an angel carrying a child, framed in gold. The angel, wings spread, evokes a sense of divine protection and tenderness, recalling classical depictions of Eros or Cupid. The motif of a winged figure carrying a human form resonates deeply within the history of art. Think of the countless renditions of Psyche carried by Eros, or even the Virgin Mary sheltering humanity under her mantle. These images tap into a universal longing for safety and salvation. The gesture of carrying, protecting, is primal, and stirs a deep sense of empathy within us. It is a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This same theme echoes through time, appearing in Renaissance paintings and even modern sculptures. Each era imbues it with new meaning, yet the underlying emotion remains: a blend of vulnerability and reassurance. The symbol's non-linear, cyclical progression has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.