Parrot 1745 - 1755

This Whieldon-type ceramic parrot, perched jauntily on a faux tree trunk, is rich in symbolic meaning that transcends time. The parrot, a creature of mimicry, has long been associated with imitation and exoticism, a symbol frequently seen in both religious and secular art. Think of the parrot in Renaissance paintings, often included to signify the Virgin Mary, a link to paradise and purity. Yet, move forward, and the parrot becomes a symbol of luxury and the exotic, a prized pet amongst the wealthy, reflecting colonial expansion and trade. The image of the parrot is a reminder of how symbols evolve. It speaks to our collective memory, an echo of the past, a cultural carrier, reflecting society's changing values and subconscious desires. This innocuous looking object speaks to so much more!