Wall Bracket with Griffin c. 1800 - 1825

This wall bracket featuring a griffin was anonymously crafted at some unknown time, and now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The griffin, a hybrid of a lion and eagle, is a symbol found across ancient cultures, often representing strength and vigilance. Considering this object's cultural context, it’s likely from a European aristocratic setting, where such mythological creatures signified power and nobility. The bracket itself would have served a practical function, but its ornate design elevates it beyond mere utility. The gilded details and the griffin motif reflect the owner’s wealth and social standing. The stars carved into the top of the bracket are also a visual code referencing status. To understand the piece fully, we might research heraldry, interior design trends and the social hierarchies. The meaning of art lies in its social and institutional context and, as historians, we explore these factors to deepen our appreciation.