Door knocker 1585 - 1615

Crafted by Niccolò Roccatagliata, this bronze door knocker features a triumphant child-like figure flanked by powerful lion motifs, symbolizing strength and courage, and a classical reference to the herculean. The symbolism of lions has ancient roots, from guarding the gates of Mycenae to adorning Renaissance palaces. The child figure standing over them echoes the classical motif of conquering heroes, resonating with the aspirations of the home's inhabitants. This image speaks to a desire for protection and dominion, a visual assertion of power that is both personal and reflective of broader cultural values. The lion, an archetypal symbol of potency, is depicted in various states: roaring defiance and subdued repose. This evokes a complex interplay of aggression and controlled power, a potent, subconscious message for those who dare approach. This door knocker is not merely functional, it is a statement, a declaration of the psychological space within.