Vier ontwerpen voor sloten en sleutels met diermotieven 1694 - 1756

Here, we observe designs for locks and keys, rendered anonymously, featuring powerful animal motifs. Notice the recurring lion, an ancient symbol of strength and guardianship, intertwined with intricate floral patterns. The lion motif has traversed history, appearing in Mesopotamian art, Renaissance heraldry, and beyond. Here, its presence suggests not merely a functional lock, but a symbolic guardian against intrusion, echoing the psychological need for safety and the warding off of malevolent forces. Even the ornamental flourishes, reminiscent of acanthus leaves, recall classical notions of protection and prosperity. Consider also the figure merging human and fish, perhaps an echo of deities like Dagon. The fish, long associated with fertility and mystery, suggests an intriguing layer of meaning beyond mere security. These symbols connect us to a deeper narrative, where protection intertwines with primal instincts and cultural memory, a pattern repeating and evolving through the ages.