Salver 1765 - 1775

This silver salver was crafted by William Reynolds in the 18th century. At its center, a winged creature is etched. This symbol, a variant of winged figures, resonates deeply with the ancient concept of psychopomps, spirits that guide souls to the afterlife. We can trace similar motifs back to antiquity, from winged deities in Mesopotamian art to the Egyptian scarab beetle with outstretched wings, symbolizing resurrection and transformation. These symbols, like the one here, evoke a deep-seated human desire for transcendence. Consider how this motif has persisted, morphing through history, adorning everything from funerary art to heraldic crests. The enduring power of such imagery hints at our collective subconscious, where the desire for immortality and spiritual elevation remains a potent force. This salver is not merely a decorative object, but a vessel of cultural memory.