Front panel of a writing box (decorated with centaurs and nymphs) 1500 - 1600

This bronze panel, crafted by Severo Calzetta da Ravenna, teems with classical imagery. We see two centaurs – creatures of myth, half-man, half-horse – flanking a central wreath. The centaur, with its dual nature, has long symbolized the conflict between intellect and primal instinct. Here, however, they are not engaged in battle but carry nymphs, suggesting a theme of harmony and the union of opposing forces. This motif echoes through time, harking back to ancient Greek vase paintings and resurfacing in Renaissance tapestries. Consider the wreath: a symbol of victory, honor, and cyclical renewal. Its presence evokes a sense of continuity, a connection to the past, and an aspiration for timelessness. Like a recurring dream, these symbols remind us of the enduring power of classical ideals and the human psyche's deep yearning for balance and order. The symbolic language reveals the emotional and cultural currents flowing through the artwork and the viewer.